Suing the Police in Socialist Poland

• In Event: Policing in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

In 1966, Poland's Supreme Court ruled in favor of a woman who had sued the police for recompensation after an unlawful beating. Similar rulings followed, though not always in favor of the plaintiff. The paper presents key cases, which allow for deep insights into the practice of policing in socialist Poland, it's self-defeating effects and the reconstruction of society.

Author

• Joachim von Puttkamer, U of Jena (Germany)