Civil and criminal liability for violations of cadastral legislation

Abstract

Violations of cadastral legislation represent a critical issue affecting property rights, legal relations between parties, and the efficient administration of real estate assets. This paper analyzes civil and criminal liability for cadastral violations, offering a theoretical and practical perspective on the applicable legal framework. From the perspective of the legislation in the Republic of Moldova, the article identifies the main forms of liability and correlates them with their effects on property owners and state authorities. Civil liability is examined in terms of the obligation to compensate for material and moral damages caused by registration errors or improper land use. Judicial procedures through which victims can claim compensation and the restoration of their rights are also analyzed. In contrast, criminal liability applies to serious offenses such as the falsification of cadastral documents, unlawful appropriation of property rights, or intentional destruction of cadastral boundaries. Penalties include fines, community service, or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Beyond describing the legal framework, the article highlights practical issues encountered in enforcing cadastral norms: legislative gaps, lack of administrative resources, and the low level of public awareness. Examples from national judicial practice are used to emphasize these challenges and demonstrate their negative impact on property owners. The conclusions suggest the need for legislative harmonization, digitalization of cadastral processes, and legal education of the population to prevent conflicts and violations. The recommendations include concrete measures to strengthen the legal framework and improve administrative practices, providing long-term solutions. This study contributes to understanding the complexity of legal liability in the cadastral domain and offers a framework for addressing existing issues.