Instytucja ławników Sądu Najwyższego
Supreme Court lay judges

Summary/Abstract: Attempts to prosecute crimes without the involvement of the public are certain to end in a fiasco (Stanisław Waltoś). On 3 April 2018, the Act of 8 December 2017 on the Supreme Court entered into force (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland of 2019, item 825, consolidated text). The aforementioned act introduced lay judges to the Supreme Court. The lay judges of the Supreme Court are to rule on cases examined in second instance in the Chamber of Disciplinary Proceedings, and in cases brought by an extraordinary petition. The changes made seem to express the principle of the participation of the citizenry in justice, as articulated in Article 182 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. In fact, these changes appear to be groundbreaking and pose a number of risks to the proper functioning of the judiciary. The changes raise doubts as to whether lay judges will have jurisdiction in the cases examined in the Chamber of Extraordinary Control (which involve a considerable degree of legal complexity). Furthermore, the participation of lay judges in the courts of appeal is a solution hitherto unknown in the Polish legal system. Moreover, a sudden turn in the axiological preferences of the legislature is noticeable. The Legislature amended the Code of Criminal Procedure in 2006 (JL RP No. 89, item 556, as amended) and clearly expressed a critical attitude to the institution of lay judges, pointing out the need to professionalize the judiciary. The presidential draft bill on the Supreme Court signals a crucial difference. The insufficient social legitimacy of the new law is also relevant. The implementation of this law in an atmosphere of heated socio-political dispute also raises questions. The implementation of systemic changes in the justice system, in violation of the conditions of good legislation, should meet with firm criticism.

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