The presumption of constitutionality is a common point of reference in the case law of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal. Although this concept is not directly expressed in the text of the Polish Constitution of 1997, the Tribunal emphasizes its constitutional anchoring. The analysis of the Tribunal’s case law enables us to identify the subject of the presumption of constitutionality, as well as the moment of its acquisition and invalidation. In its decisions the Tribunal presents the opinion on the gradation of the presumption of constitutionality, as well as the close relations between the presumption of constitutionality and the interpretation of law in accordance with the constitution. Treating the presumption of constitutionality as a starting point in exercising the judicial review raises a question to what extent the Tribunal itself is bound by this presumption. The analysis of the Tribunal’s case law leads to the conclusion that this concept has the key role in the argumentation applied in the process of judicial review.

The presumption of constitutionality in the light of the case law of the Constitutional Tribunal

The presumption of constitutionality is a common point of reference in the case law of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal. Although this concept is not directly expressed in the text of the Polish Constitution of 1997, the Tribunal emphasizes its constitutional anchoring. The analysis of the Tribunal’s case law enables us to identify the subject of the presumption of constitutionality, as well as the moment of its acquisition and invalidation. In its decisions the Tribunal presents the opinion on the gradation of the presumption of constitutionality, as well as the close relations between the presumption of constitutionality and the interpretation of law in accordance with the constitution. Treating the presumption of constitutionality as a starting point in exercising the judicial review raises a question to what extent the Tribunal itself is bound by this presumption. The analysis of the Tribunal’s case law leads to the conclusion that this concept has the key role in the argumentation applied in the process of judicial review.