On the Standards of Law-Making in Criminal Law: A Polish Example

Abstract

This paper delves into the standards of law-making in criminal law, emphasizing the significance of these standards within the legal system. The text explores the importance of maintaining constitutional and non-constitutional standards in criminal law and investigates the complexity of defining clear and unambiguous principles for lawmakers. It discusses the dual meaning of the standard of law-making, encompassing both substantive and formal aspects, and how these standards play a crucial role in shaping legal norms. The paper also highlights four key law-making standards in criminal law: legal certainty, adherence to proper legislative procedure, the effectiveness of the law and the adequacy of the language of the law. It raises essential issues regarding the impact of these standards on the quality and trustworthiness of criminal laws.