The Constitutional Court on 19 January 2026 held that VAT penalties on companies do not breach ne bis in idem for a director convicted in person, and that 20% penalties and statutory interest were proportionate. It matters in VAT disputes and tax prosecutions.
The Court of Appeal refused to retry a planning judgment that revoked a permit, holding that article 811 does not reopen a case because a party says the court strayed into facts. It matters to anyone who loses a planning appeal.
The Court of Appeal refused a retrial sought by a co-owner forced to sell her share under article 495A, holding that the fair price is measured at the date of the konvenju. It matters to co-owners who oppose a sale of property held in common.
The Civil Court (Family Section) found a husband to blame for adultery and grievous injury from the day of a marriage he entered for personal gain, and applied article 48 of the Civil Code in full. It matters where spouses never lived together.
The Court of Criminal Appeal (Superior Jurisdiction) confirmed life sentences on seven-to-two jury verdicts for wilful homicide and complicity, holding that article 492(2) gives a discretion, not a right. Relevant to defence lawyers arguing sentence after a jury trial.
The Constitutional Court on 12 January 2026 held that an owner who took rent directly from a tenant placed under a requisition order created a protected lease, and that the State Advocate answers for the rent laws. It cut moral damages to €5,000.
The Court of Appeal held that a coach who stopped turning up, without resigning and without any notice of termination, was not dismissed. He could not claim half his wages for the rest of his fixed-term contract, only two months of unpaid wages.
The Court of Appeal kept a husband's fault for adultery but held that, because the Family Section fixed no date under article 48(1)(c), forfeiture runs from its judgment. It also struck out a protection order that set no terms.
The Court of Appeal found that a family had acquired a disputed roof by 30-year prescription, but held that a later donation deed covering only part of the airspace renounced it. It matters to anyone relying on usucapio over a roof or airspace.
The Criminal Court adopted a 10-year prison term agreed under article 392B of the Criminal Code after an early guilty plea, finding it within the law and suited to the facts. Relevant to lawyers negotiating sentence on a guilty plea.
The Court of Appeal refused a retrial of its €1.7 million fiduciary-duty judgment, holding that a party alleging a wrong application of law must name the article wrongly applied and the one that should have been. It matters to anyone seeking a retrial under article 811.
The Constitutional Court on 5 January 2026 annulled a First Hall judgment that never decided the respondents' preliminary pleas, and sent the case back. It matters to anyone drafting, defending or appealing a judgment in a constitutional case.