Poland

The Constitution of the Republic of Poland (Polish: Konstytucja Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) was adopted by the National Assembly of Poland on 2 April 1997, approved by a national referendum on 25 May 1997. It became effective three months after it was announced – on 17th October 1997.

The Constitution has been amended once – the amendment was passed by the Sejm on 8th September 2006. The changes were connected with the European Arrest Warrant and concerned the possibility of transferring a Polish citizen for trial or detention if the citizen in question had committed a crime and was wanted both in Poland and abroad.

The Constitution, the supreme law, provides for the foundations of the socio-political system. It states that Poland is a democratic state of law in which the principles of social justice are pursued. The rule of separation of powers is strictly observed in this country. The Constitution also provides for basic personal, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the citizens.

The Constitution of Poland guarantees the protection of intellectual property rights. In particular, Article 73 ensures to everyone the freedom of artistic creation and scientific research as well as dissemination of the fruits thereof, the freedom to teach and to enjoy the products of culture.