Opinion of the Venice Commission on the place of the constitutional judiciary in a democratic state

Abstract

The debate on the Constitutional Tribunal in Poland that has been going on in recent months concerns one of the principal foundations of a state governed by the rule of law: the place of the constitution in the system of sources of law and the related role of the constitutional judiciary in a political regime founded on the separation of powers. Throughout recurrent discussions in Poland since 1989 the axiom of the role of the constitution and the autonomy of the court adjudicating on the compliance of laws with the constitution, which is an element of the European and democratic constitutional tradition, has always remained intact. The current political debate would appear to undermine this axiom today.

The constitutional judiciary is an important foundation of democracy; consequently the concern of European institutions about changes implemented in this area in any European state is not surprising.

The European Union Commission, commonly referred to as the Venice Commission, plays a special role here. This role may be described as that of a specific body giving legal advice on matters of public law. The Commission acts at the request of an interested state or other European body. In its opinions it indicates certain substantive issues that are essential for ensuring the autonomy and impartiality of constitutional courts. Although the opinions of the Venice Commission are not binding, the soft law that the Commission makes is relevant not only for its member states but also for other states which work with it and which wish to be perceived as members of a community of states sharing ideals of human rights, democracy and the rule of law as set out by the Venice Commission. As a reputation-enhancing community, the Venice Commission provides an opportunity for states to participate in the preparation of these standards, at the same time treat the recommendations of the Commission as part of their sovereign responsibility for the shape of their legal system.