Stanisław Starzyński on the transformation of the state system in Poland in 1918–1935

Abstract

Independence by Poland in 1918 was associated with the need to adapt various legal systems in force within the borders of the reborn state. The Polish authorities faced the challenge of defining the state’s political framework and the scope of competences of its supreme organs. Among many authors dealing with constitutional law, Stanisław Starzyński, a lawyer – constitutionalist and politician, deserves attention. He wrote about the genesis and concept of law, functions of the state and the scope of state power. As an expert and analyst, he spoke about draft normative acts and legal acts that came into force. He had a critical attitude to the March Constitution, because by granting excessive powers to the Sejm, it led to an imbalance of power. For this reason, he formulated his own draft constitution, which was a correction to March Constitution. S. Starzyński was also skeptical about the April Constitution, the way it was implemented and provisions that did not guarantee the protection of individual rights and the control of state organs.