Formalism in the application of law and ethics on the example of environmental law regulations

Keywords: ethics, application of law, formalism, environmental protection law

English abstract: This paper discusses formalism, a multi-faceted and problematic research topic when applied to law. The most important point of reference in the presented point of view is ethics. That is why the author emphasizes the importance of asking whether formalism is an ethical behaviour in the context of applying the law. The application of law is presented using the following two conceptions: as a behavior of officials, acting as public administration authorities, and as a theoretical model of this phenomenon. This paper is mostly about the first conception: the behaviour of officials and authorities. The problem of formalism and the effects it can lead to are discussed on the basis of specific laws and regulations concerning environmental protection. Research shows that formalism is based on lack of care for the integrity of the legal text and lack of officials’ consistency in recreating the intention of the lawmaker. This kind of activity is presented as unethical, as it may cause unjustified, negative effects in the life of the individual who is a party to the proceedings.