The criminal connection

Abstract

This article addresses the problem of substantial connection in Criminal Law, a subject poorly systematized in both Brazilian and Italian doctrine, which frequently confuses substantial connection with procedural connection and with the apparent conflict of norms. The author proposes to classify the species of criminal connection based on its two indispensable elements, the plurality of crimes and the nexus, dividing it into objective connection, comprising the occasional, necessary and continuative forms, and subjective connection, comprising the teleological and consequential forms. Examining case law on forgery and fraud, the author concludes that substantial connection remains disregarded by the Courts, which confuse it with absorption arising from the principle of speciality.