Articles

The Choice of a Way of Life and the Consciousness of a Fundamental Rights

Prof. UŁ dr hab. Bartosz Wojciechowski

University of Lodz

English abstract: The article deals with the need for acceptance of pluralism of ways of life in modern legal orders, which should allow each individual to find his or her own modus vivendi in a diverse world. Such an attitude is particularly important in the discussion on LGBTQ rights, for which the starting point is the case law of the Supreme Administrative Court in these matters. The author points out that proper exercise of rights and tolerance for pluralism of values, beliefs and ways of life is not possible without legal consciousness of the entities belonging to certain minorities, which is built by a sensitive and pluralistic attitude of judges, reflected in their judgments.

Keywords: equality, (non)discrimination, identity, legal consciousness, axiological pluralism, human dignity, recognition

Language: Polish

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 97-108.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.97

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 23

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

The Impact of Extraordinary Appeal on an Individual’s Constitutional Awareness. Considerations Against the Background of Extraordinary Appeal Proceedings in Criminal Cases

Dr Jarosław Sułkowski

University of Lodz

English abstract: In April 2022 four years passed since the introduction into the Polish legal system of extraordinary appeal – a new instrument for the review of final court judgements. The experience of several years of the functioning of this means of challenge provides an opportunity to analyse it on the basis of the emerging case law of the Supreme Court in the context of not only the effectiveness of this kind of appeal, as seen through the prism of procedural justice in criminal matters, but also in the context of emergence of constitutional awareness. It should be assumed that the legislator wanted to introduce a measure that would strengthen the protection of freedoms and rights, also within the framework of criminal proceedings, and which so far did not exist in such a form – in terms of evaluation of the process of applying the law. A few years after its introduction, the fears that extraordinary appeal would become a politically exploited mechanism have not come true. However, after a few years the first cautious conclusions can be formulated regarding its significance for the reliability of the criminal process. Unfortunately, these conclusions are not optimistic. The extraordinary complaint does not play a significant role in the functioning of the criminal process in the shape outlined by the Polish Constitution.

Keywords: extraordinary appeal, Supreme Court, judicial review (of constitutionality of statutes), constitutional awareness

Language: Polish

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 84-96.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.84

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 9

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

The Impact of Constitutional Regulations of the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Lithuania on the Participation of Women in the Public Sphere

Dr hab. Małgorzata Niewiadomska-Cudak

University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw

English abstract: The article analyses the constitutional norm on gender equality referred to in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 1997 and the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucija) of 1992. The author tries to answer the question of how the principle of gender equality is enshrined in the two most important normative acts for both countries, which have the highest legal force in the system of legal sources. The scope of research interests therefore includes the issue of constitutional regulations and their impact on the participation of women in the governments of both surveyed countries, their national parliaments, and the European Parliament. The current democratic deficit can be viewed from the point of view of underrepresentation of women in political structures. The participation of women increases the legitimacy of democratic institutions and contributes to reducing gender inequalities in public life. Building awareness of the role of public institutions in the field of equal opportunities regardless of gender corresponds to the principle of social justice, according to which women and men should have equal access to high offices, including the national and European parliaments. Equality and justice are the core values and essence of democracy. A feature of particular importance is gender equality. A reliable basis for defining it is provided by the constitution, therefore the article presents how its provisions may have an impact on women’s participation in the political sphere.

Keywords: constitution, the principle of gender equality, political participation of women, underrepresentation, government, parliament

Language: Polish

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 70-83.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.70

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 9

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Types of Judicial Review Tests and the Principle of Proportionality

Prof. UMK dr hab. Milena Korycka-Zirk

Mikołaj Kopernik University in Toruń

English abstract: Judicial review in the jurisprudence of the US Supreme Court can take the form of one of three formulas for examining an act or action of an authority (strict scrutiny test, intermediate scrutiny test, or rational basis test). In the context of the constitutional review each of these tests requires an analysis, of three essential aspects: what kind of individual interest is limited, what form of public interest legitimation is required, and how the means and the purpose so indicated are related. A detailed analysis of these standards of proportion, jurisprudentially developed and evolutionarily tightened, in confrontation with the principle of proportionality used in European constitutions (and documents on international protection of human rights) allows to formulate theses about which standard is stronger, which one creates a barrier providing better protection of individual autonomy, and which is more resistant to ‘steps backwards’ in this respect.

Keywords: judicial review (of constitutionality of statutes), principle of proportionality, strict scrutiny test, intermediate scrutiny test, rational basis test

Language: Polish

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 54-69.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.54

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 11

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

From Legal Protection Towards Animal Rights: Between Moral and Legal Consciousness. Evolution of Approach on the Example of Administrative Case Law

Dr hab. Anna Kalisz, mgr Dorota Pawlicka

Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Supreme Administrative Court

English abstract: The aim of the article is to analyse the possibility and necessity of empowering animals as ‘non-personal’ legal subjects under Polish law, indicating the relevant case law (of ordinary and, mainly, administrative courts). The research assumption is the statement that, although administrative case law contains elements of a fairly progressive approach that results in an interpretation of the applicable provisions on the protection and (rudimentarily regulated) animal rights, the existing provisions are far from sufficient and leave quite a lot of room for a very flexible interpretation. That may lead not solely to an animal-friendly interpretation, but also to abuses against them. Therefore, postulated amendments concerning constitutional protection of animal rights deserve attention, as they would be important for the systemic interpretation of law. The research subject is both philosophical and legal literature, as well as case law. The main method is the logico-linguistic analysis (with some elements of historical and comparative approach) of texts on philosophy, including legal philosophy and ethics, as well as the analysis of case law. The research findings have a mixed, descriptive-and-normative character, while the above combination of ethics, legal theory, and legal practice both manifests the evolution of the approach to the titular matter and makes an original contribution to jurisprudence as a scientific discipline.

Keywords: social consciousness, sentient animals, legal protection of animals, animal rights, constitutional protection, administrative case law

Language: Polish

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 38-53.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.38

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 19

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

On the Possibility of Administrative Courts Shaping Constitutional Consciousness

Dr Anna Chmielarz-Grochal

University of Lodz

English abstract: The article aims to show how administrative courts (in particular the Supreme Administrative Court) participate in shaping the constitutional consciousness of citizens. The main thesis of the article boils down to the statement that administrative courts shape constitutional consciousness through direct application of the provisions of the fundamental law. This thesis corresponds to the assumption that justifications of the judgments being the effect of the application of the constitution have an educational value. Examples from the practice of judicial application of Article 2, provisions on fundamental rights (including those that have the nature of principles: Article 30 and Article 32), and Article 45 in conjunction with Article 184 of the Polish Constitution show that the justifications may fulfil the role of a carrier of knowledge about the fundamental law, the legal institutions regulated by it, and the essence of fundamental rights, taking into account the role of a court as a guarantor of the protection of individual rights.

Keywords: constitutional consciousness, legal consciousness, constitutional identity, direct application of the constitution, pro-constitutional interpretation, constitutional reasoning, administrative courts

Language: Polish

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 22-37.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.22

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 10

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Interpretation of the Right to an Effective Remedy in Freedom of Expression Cases in the Light of the Rule of Law Principle

Dr Vygantė Milašiūtė

Vilnius University

English abstract: The paper focuses on the protection of freedom of expression of judges and prosecutors who exercise this freedom in their professional capacity to promote the rule of law, but suffer negative consequences as a result. Starting with the ECtHR Kövesi v. Romania judgment, the issues of whether legal remedy, in this context, should necessarily be judicial and what quality requirements it should meet are analysed. The paper finds that the ECtHR requires effective remedies in this field, but does not clearly exclude a possibility of non judicial remedies. The EU law, on the other hand, requires judicial remedies unless there are very limited EU law-based reasons (notably, constitutional identity arguments) that justify a possibility of a non-judicial remedy. Theoretical arguments based on substantive conception of the rule of law support the need for a judicial remedy. The study is an addition to the research into judicial independence in the light of the rule of law. It connects the ECtHR, EU law and theoretical perspectives.

Keywords: judicial independence, prosecutors, freedom of expression, rule of law, remedy

Language: English

Published: Number 2(31)/2022, pp. 7-21.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.2.7

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 12

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Piotr Winczorek: Researcher, Teacher and Friend

Prof. UW dr hab. Tomasz Stawecki

University of Warsaw

English abstract: This article was written to commemorate Professor Piotr Winczorek, who passed away on 9 February 2015. He was associated with the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warsaw for over 50 years. However, the article focuses on three dimensions of Professor’s academic activity: those of a researcher, teacher and friend. Piotr Winczorek’s scientific interests evolved. Initially, he studied the functioning of political parties, especially in Poland during the communist regime. In this context, he tried to study various forms of social and political pluralism. In the 1980s, Piotr Winczorek concentrated on the issues of legal theory, developing his own approach to legal realism. After 1989, Professor focused on issues of public law, especially on axiological assumptions and the practice of constitutionalism, particularly the primacy of the constitution in the legal order, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and equality before the law. Piotr Winczorek was also an extraordinary teacher. He conducted classes with students, initiated new subjects and new curricula. He wrote several textbooks and coursebooks for students, including the textbook Introduction to Jurisprudence, which had 14 editions published over the past 30 years. Professor was also known for his many articles and commentaries on constitutional issues. For his younger colleagues, Piotr Winczorek was a true friend. He would invite them on a daily basis to cooperate, do joint research, and publish together. He also showed great civil courage in defending us against bureaucratic or political attacks. His honesty and wisdom is still remembered well beyond the walls of the University of Warsaw.

Keywords: Piotr Winczorek, researcher, teacher, friend, legal theory, constitutionalism

Language: Polish

Published: Number 1(30)/2022, pp. 8-16

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.1.8

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 42

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Remarks About the Axiological Dimension of the Polish Constitution of 1997 and Its Interpretation in the Light of Works of Professor Piotr Winczorek

Prof. UŚ dr hab. Sławomir Tkacz, Prof. dr hab. Zygmunt Tobor

University of Silesia in Katowice

English abstract: This article is an extended and supplemented version of the address given during the scientific conference dedicated to Professor Piotr Winczorek. The authors made an attempt to reconstruct theory-of-law views based on the statements of Piotr Winczorek. The subject of the research was especially issues related to the axiology of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. In the course of research such issues as the concept of the legal order in the light of constitutional provisions, constitutional values, constitutional principles, and sources of law were taken up. One of the interesting problems emphasized by Piotr Winczorek was whether the basic law should be frugal in terms of manifesting values. The research is supplemented by an analysis of the problems of legal interpretation in the works of Piotr Winczorek. The conducted analyses enable formulating a general conclusion that many problems raised by Piotr Winczorek are referred to in the current constitutional disputes. Therefore, it is worthwhile to refer to the works of Professor Winczorek, whose statements can be treated as an authentic interpretation of the Polish Constitution of 1997.

Keywords: Piotr Winczorek, theory of law, legal interpretation, Constitution of the Republic of Poland, legal values, legal principles

Language: Polish

Published: Number 1(30)/2022, pp. 113-125

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.1.113

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 37

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Social Reading of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland versus Constitutional Axiology and Constitutional Social Ontology

Dr Paweł Skuczyński

University of Warsaw

English abstract: The paper aims to propose a social reading of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland as an alternative to liberal and republican interpretations. It was developed with the use of an interdisciplinary methodology, including the use of societal constitutionalism as its theoretical basis, as well as its formal-dogmatic justification and its characterisation in the perspective of the theory of law as relating to the social ontology expressed in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. A thesis is put forward that the social reading of the Constitution consists in recognizing some social entities as constitutional entities, next to individuals and the State. Consequently, the norms concerning them should be interpreted as obliging the state authorities to ensure their influence on public policies and the law-making, and to take into account the bottom-up creation of norms and broadly understood self-regulation. Four arguments for the social reading of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland are presented, which are based on: 1) the scope of the constitutional regulation (extensive regulation in Chapter 1 of social and public entities such as local and professional self-government bodies, trade unions, and employers’ organizations, civil society organisations, churches, and religious unions); 2) the way they are regulated (despite the identity of the designatum, regulating these entities alongside the concept of a sovereign nation and imposing certain obligations on the State authorities towards them); 3) the historical context of the making of the Polish Constitution (building the autonomy of society in relation to the state as a strategy of resistance from the 1970s); 4) the work on drafting the Polish Constitution (the gradual addition of provisions on social entities, often due to pressure exerted by, which was an expression of far-reaching self-constitutionalisation).

Keywords: societal constitutionalism, social ontology, constitutional values

Language: Polish

Published: Number 1(30)/2022, pp. 100-112

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36280/AFPiFS.2022.1.100

Download: Download
Number of downloads: 36

This text is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.