The Freedom of the Press and Other Means of Social Communication as a Constitutional Principle

Wojciech Lis

Pełny tekst artykułu English version of the article

The catalog of basic principles of the political system has been specified in Chapter I of the Polish Constitution, under the telling title Rzeczpospolita. Among them there is the principle of freedom of the press and other means of social communication, which guarantees free flow of information and opinion, constituting the basis of a democratic rule of law. The adopted solution is the legislator’s expression of recognition for the role and importance of the press and other mass media in public life. An opportunity to review information and ideas is fundamental for broadening one’s knowledge, sharpening critical thinking and opinion shaping, as well as making rational and informed choices.

KEYWORDS

principles of the constitution, freedom of the press, the mass media, freedom of expression, democracy, obligations of the state, limitation of constitutional freedoms and rights