Article 196 of the Polish Criminal Code in the Light of 15 Years of its Validity Cover Image

Analiza art. 196 Kodeksu karnego z perspektywy 15 lat jego obowiązywania
Article 196 of the Polish Criminal Code in the Light of 15 Years of its Validity

Author(s): Michał Poniatowski
Subject(s): Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: religion; religious freedom; religious discrimination; criminal liability; crimes against the freedom of conscience and religion; Church and State; limits of art

Summary/Abstract: The article offers an analysis of Article 196 of the Polish Criminal Code of 1997. It provides that anyone who offends the religious feelings of others by publicly blaspheming an object of religious worship or a place dedicated to public celebration of religious rites is subject to a fine, a restriction of freedom or imprisonment for up to two years. Initially, the article presents historical regulations of this issue in the periods 1918-1939 and 1945-1989. Next, some elements of the crime along with current legal opinions are presented. The study also contains statistical data resulting from 15 years of Article 196 being in force. The last part presents a negative view of the draft amendment of 20 April 2012. Finally, conclusions are provided.

  • Issue Year: 23/2013
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 19-59
  • Page Count: 41
  • Language: Polish