The article is devoted to the historical evolution and modern development trends of the Constitution of Poland. It provides the general characteristics of formation and development of the Republic of Poland. It is emphasized that Poland is the earliest explorer of the European constitutionalism. Since 1791 in the constitutional history of Poland were approved the nine constitutional documents. In addition, consideration is given to such historical constitutions as the Constitution of May 3, 1791, the Grodno Constitution of November 23, 1793, the Lower Constitution of February 20, 1919, the March Constitution of 1921, the Constitution of 1935, the Constitution of the Peoples’ Republic of Poland of 1952, the Constitution of 1976, the present Constitution of 1997. The article reveals the main features of the present Constitution and characterizes contemporary constitutional system of Poland.

Premises of expropriation in the light of the provisions of the Constitution

The institution of emitent domain is a relatively new element of the legal system, but it is currently used in most democratic countries. Due to its importance and uniqueness, the rules of emitent domain are determined in the constitutional acts of each country. Emitent domain causes complete or partial reduction of deprivation of property, it is therefore necessary to introduce appropriate safeguards in national law and international law. Legislator in art. 21 and 64 of the Constitution protects property. On the other hand, polish constitution allows emitent domain, but limits usage of this institution through the obligation to indicate a specific public purpose, as well as the payment of fair compensation. The proper interpretation of the terms “fair compensation” and “public purpose” is very important for the institution of emitent domain. According to the art. 21 paragraph. 2 of the Constitution these are two main premises to conduct a process of lawful emitent domain. Case law of administrative courts, the Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights allows you to define them. Especially the issue of just compensation has already been, in my opinion properly defined. In contrast, because of the constantly changing economic and political situation public purposes must be constantly redefined. This duty belongs to the legislator, who should know best the needs of the country and citizens at the time.

Debt Limit from Article 216(5) of the Polish Constitution in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

The purpose of this article is to analyse proposed amendments to the debt limit from Article 216(5) of the Polish Constitution. The constitutionalization of the above limit raised many concerns and doubts, which returned in times the COVID-19 virus and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In the ongoing debate in recent years, it was proposed to raise reference value of debt to 90% of GDP or to exclude defence spending from the rigour of the constitutional rule. Undertaking an assessment of the proposed amendments the author first discusses the ratio legis of the fiscal rule and the problem of its application in extraordinary situations. The analysis allows the conclusion that undoubtedly the constitutional debt limit should be amended, however the above proposals do not solve the essence of the problem and thus do not deserve to be taken into account.