esposto

Esposito is an Italian term with multiple uses, primarily as a grammatical form and as a noun in administrative language. As a past participle of the verb esporre, esposto functions as an adjective meaning “exposed,” “placed out,” or “stated,” and can describe something displayed or brought before others. It also appears in phrases such as a quadro esposto al pubblico (a painting displayed to the public) or altro contenuto esposto a rischi (other content exposed to risks).

More commonly, esposto is used as a noun in legal and administrative contexts to denote a formal complaint or report submitted to an authority. An esposto is a written document that describes facts, identifies relevant individuals, and may include evidence or attachments. The purpose is to inform a public body—such as a police station, prosecutor’s office, municipal ombudsman, or other authorities—so that action, investigation, or corrective measures can be considered. Procedures and thresholds vary by jurisdiction, but an esposto generally serves as a mechanism to raise concerns about wrongdoing, irregularities, safety risks, or administrative issues.

Distinctions with related terms are common: a denuncia or querela typically refers to a crime or criminal accusation, while an esposto is broader and may concern non-criminal matters or precede a formal criminal report. In Italy, the term is widely used in public administration, consumer protection channels, and by ombudsman offices as a means for citizens to seek redress or investigations.