NCJ Number
131223
Date Published
Unknown
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The Polish Penal Code is almost 30 years old and needs to be reformed to de-emphasize the use of prison penalties.
Abstract
The code's provisions on penal responsibility state that penal liability will be incurred only by a person who commits a socially dangerous act. Crimes are divided into serious and less serious categories, while penalties are classified as basic and supplementary. Basic penalties include deprivation or limitation of liberty, fines, and the death penalty for exceptional cases. Supplementary penalties include deprivation of public rights, deprivation of parental or guardianship rights, prohibitions against occupying specific jobs, limits on operating motor vehicles, and confiscation of property. In the 1970's, deprivation of liberty was used more frequently than other penalties. Prison sentences were applied to about 28 percent of all offenders. In the 1980's, penal procedures changed according to prevailing liberal or repressive tendencies. It is suggested that prison penalties be used less frequently, particularly in light of current social and political changes. It is also noted that the level of criminality, especially for serious crimes, is relatively low in Poland. 8 references