Osiągnięcia i perspektywy edytorstwa źródeł historyczno-prawnych z okresu Księstwa Warszawskiego i Królestwa Kongresowego (do 1876 r.)
Accomplishments and Perspectives in the Editing of History of Law Sources from the Period of the Duchy of Warsaw and of Congress Poland (up to 1876)

Author(s): Piotr Zbigniew Pomianowski
Subject(s): 19th Century
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Duchy of Warsaw; Congress Poland; history of law; editions of historical and legal sources; codification of law
Summary/Abstract: The article identifies the most important history of law sources from the period of the Duchy of Warsaw and of Congress Poland (until the Russification of the judicial system in 1876), which were published already in the 19th century as well as later on. Discussed are both publications of official nature issued by the state and those of a private character prepared by individuals not affiliated with state bodies. Some sources were also published at a later time, usually as scholarly works. The author synthetically discusses the various categories of sources (normative bills, minutes of sessions of Parliament and executive authorities, documents concerning legal practice, such as court rulings) and indicates where normative content can be found (promulgation journals of the Duchy of Warsaw, Congress Poland, France and the annexing powers; translations of German- and French-language laws published both by public institutions and private individuals). Furthermore, postulates as to the continuation of editing work and digitalisation are formulated. The author has especially high hopes for the latter, as they could significantly improve access to 19th-century sources. However, in order for a digitalization of large archival units to fully contribute to the development of scholarship, it should also be coupled with a proper description of scans and with proper auxiliary tools (especially indexes).

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