Zakaz reformationis in peius w sprawach o zasiedzenie
Prohibition of Reformatio in Peius in Proceedings for Acquisitive Prescription

Summary/Abstract: The article undertakes an analysis of a controversial issue concerning the prohibition of reformatio in peius in cases of acquisitive prescription (usucaption). Acquisitive prescription matters are considered in non-litigious proceedings, hence the prohibition of reformatio in peius defined under article 384 of the Polish Civil Procedure Code applies therein only mutatis mutandis in accordance with Article 13(2) of the Civil Procedure Code. The article examines the existing case-law and the legal doctrine regarding the aforementioned prohibition and offers strong backing for its application. The supporting arguments cited include: lack of public interest in adjudicating such cases, a clear dispute between the parties to the proceedings, inadmissibility of the ex officio institution of proceedings for acquisitive prescription (without any motion by a party), and binding the court by the claim set out in the motion as to who may benefit from usucaption. The adversarial character of the proceedings for acquisitive prescription makes such matters similar in nature to litigious cases. Thus, their placing in the non-litigious category does not emanate from being non-adversarial. In fact, the opposite is very often true. Adjudication in non-litigious proceedings is the result of a decision made by the lawmakers, who have determined it appropriate despite the fact that adjudicating acquisitive prescription cases in litigious proceedings would be equally justified.

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