Kategoria słuszności w polskim orzecznictwie sądowym
The category of equity in Polish jurisprudence

Summary/Abstract: The article provides a philosophical and legal analysis of the category of equity in the jurisprudence of Polish courts. The author distinguishes two main ways of invoking equity by courts: 1) indirect − by applying a provision containing a general clause indicating equity or other values, and 2) direct − by voluntarily invoking equity under the discretionary power of a judge. The author presents examples from Polish jurisprudence showing why courts rely on equity on their own initiative. An appeal to equity may confirm the results of the performed interpretation, or it may oppose them. Courts use the argument of equity also when justifying partial decisions that are crucial for making a final decision, and even with less binding decisions, such as demands for a change in the law. At the end, conclusions are formulated regarding the understanding of equity a casu ad casum and the going beyond the framework outlined by the legislator in this respect. The author concludes that in many cases the court gives meaning to equity only at the stage of applying the law, during the process of interpreting and selecting arguments for the purposes of a judgment. Moreover, it is concluded that courts often refer to equity without explaining this concept or justifying its application. Therefore, one may be tempted to conclude that it is impossible to avoid even a small dose of subjectivism when invoking equity.

• Details
• Contents