A causalidade alternativa e a responsabilidade civil dos múltiplos ofensores

Abstract

This thesis approaches situations wherein damage arises from conducts incurred by one or several individuals that compose a group, being altogether impossible to identify the actual torfeasors. In terms of causation, this situation is usually known as alternative causation, and the main controversy arising from such scenario is whether and under which circumstances all members of the group should be held liable for damages. In order to analyze these issues, the present work brings an introductory chapter, which focuses on the several theories developed with respect to the concept of causation. This aims at verifying how such doctrines describe the cause-and-effect phenomenon, and the way scholar and courts handle with these doctrines whereas facing situations involving several causes potentially related to a certain outcome. Having the first part as a conceptual background, the dissertation specifically approaches the alternative causation under a historical perspective, particularly concerning the development of such concept throughout relevant moments of history. The dissertation then moves to the analysis of the concept of alternative causation in several jurisdictions. The purpose of that part of the work is to verify the different perspectives adopted by foreign scholars and courts as to the scenarios involving damages performed by members of a group, wherein it is altogether impossible to identify the actual tortfeasors. The final part of the dissertation deals particularly with the phenomenon of alternative causation under Brazilian law. The work approaches this subject by examining some relevant court decisions and opinion of scholars related to the issue. It also contrasts the several doctrines developed to explain the joint liability of the members of the group with the legal regime established by the Brazilian Civil Code, stressing the flaws applicable to each of them. Relying upon this analysis, and on main elements arising from the analysis carried out in the previous chapters, the final part of the dissertation proposes (i) an explanation to justify the joint liability applicable to individuals that compose a group of potential tortfeasors; and (ii) the criteria to define the circumstances wherein this sort of liability prevails. It also proposes the amendment of the Brazilian Civil Code, in order to include specific regulation regarding alternative causation.