The political involvement of media may raise doubts, particularly when these are the cases of political bias. Many Polish journalists perceive this phenomenon critically and try to counteract it, creating codes of journalistic ethics. Their impact, however, is not common, so they remain ineffective. This problem should be considered while analyzing the Polish constitutional provisions and laws. None of the provisions of the Polish Constitution of 1997 does prohibit journalists or media political commitment. Media in Poland have but to fulfill an important function of informing the sovereign (nation) about all the activities of public authorities. To this end, the legal standards guarantee media freedom of action. Associated with the position of media power is to serve social objectives, which is to provide information. Legal norms do not require neutrality, nor do they impose political commitment. It should also be remembered that media are a part of the Polish political system.

Prerogatives of the President of the Republic of Poland and His Scope Discretionary Power to Appoint Judges

The thesis analyses the extent of the Polish President’s discretionary power to appoint judges. The starting point for the discussion is an examination of the origins of the term prerogative and its appearance in Polish literature, followed by an analysis of the constitutional position of the President of the Republic of Poland in the powers’ system. The paper posits two theses. The understanding of prerogatives in Polish legal science fundamentally differs from that of the British term Royal Prerogatives. The constitutional model of the President’s position in Art. 126 of the Constitution assumes an active presidency. Although the President is not entitled to conduct the affairs of the State, as the head of State, using his powers, he performs the functions of the Constitution’s guardian and the arbiter as a guarantor of the continuity of State authority.