Criminal liability for improper omission: the position of guarantor in the jurisprudence of the STF and STJ

Authors

  • Marina Teodoro Author
  • Paulo Felipe Alves Oliveira Author
  • Pedro Henrique Oliveira Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/qeeb5m67

Keywords:

improper omission, criminal liability, guarantor, criminal law, causation

Abstract

This study aims to analyze criminal liability for improper omission in the Brazilian legal system, highlighting its foundations, requirements, and practical applications. The research is based on the understanding that, in certain situations, omission may be legally equivalent to action, especially when the agent has a legal duty to act to prevent the result. The methodology adopted is bibliographic, based on the analysis of doctrines, legislation, and relevant jurisprudence. The study examines the assumptions of the guarantor position, as well as the hypotheses provided for in Article 13, paragraph 2, of the Brazilian Penal Code, which support criminal liability for improper omission. The results indicate that the configuration of criminal liability in such cases depends on the existence of a specific legal duty to act, the possibility of action, and the causal link between omission and the result. It is concluded that improper omission represents an important instrument of criminal protection, requiring strict application to avoid undue liability

References

BITENCOURT, Cezar Roberto. Tratado de direito penal: parte geral. 27. ed. São Paulo: Saraiva, 2022.

BRASIL. Código Penal. Decreto-Lei nº 2.848, de 7 de dezembro de 1940. Disponível em: http://www.planalto.gov.br. Acesso em: 8 abr. 2026.

CAPEZ, Fernando. Curso de direito penal: parte geral. 24. ed. São Paulo: Saraiva, 2023.

GRECO, Rogério. Curso de direito penal: parte geral. 25. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Impetus, 2023.

JESUS, Damásio de. Direito penal: parte geral. 36. ed. São Paulo: Saraiva, 2021.

PRADO, Luiz Regis. Curso de direito penal brasileiro: parte geral. 17. ed. São Paulo: Revista dos Tribunais, 2022.

ROXIN, Claus. Derecho penal: parte general. Madrid: Civitas, 2014.

Published

2026-04-14

How to Cite

Teodoro, M., Oliveira, P. F. A., & Oliveira, P. H. (2026). Criminal liability for improper omission: the position of guarantor in the jurisprudence of the STF and STJ. Revista Ft, 30(157), 01-04. https://doi.org/10.69849/qeeb5m67