The Presumption of Common Language as an Interpretive Paradigm and Its Opponents in Polish Legal Theory Cover Image

Domniemanie języka potocznego jako paradygmat interpretacyjny i jego wrogowie w polskiej teorii prawa
The Presumption of Common Language as an Interpretive Paradigm and Its Opponents in Polish Legal Theory

Author(s): Zbigniew Pulka
Subject(s): Language acquisition, Sociolinguistics, Theory of Communication, Sociology of Law, Stylistics
Published by: Akademia Leona Koźmińskiego
Keywords: Interpretation; presumption of common language; linguistic competence; interpretative paradigm; law text;

Summary/Abstract: In my paper, I reconstruct Jerzy Wróblewski’s theory of interpretation. My goal is to show that this theory has the characteristics of a paradigmatic theory because of the importance of the presumption of common language, which is a fundamental element of this theory. This presumption is decisive in shaping the picture of interpretation and, consequently, gives the theory in question the status of a model theory defining a postulated model of legal interpretation. In the paper, I discuss various aspects of this presumption, highlighting its importance in preserving the principle of universal access to practical (legal) discourse. At the same time, I question the views that challenge this presumption by claiming that the language of law is a code accessible only to a cognitively privileged group of professional lawyers.

  • Issue Year: 15/2023
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 310-330
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish