From Old Times to New Europe

The third decade of post-Communist Europe is a pertinent time to revisit the role of the law and judges in Central and Eastern Europe where issues concerning democracy and constitutionalism are endlessly debated. Drawing mainly on the Polish experience, this analysis focuses on the significant part played by history in the development of the region's identity and preferences concerning the role of the state in public and private life. It examines the political, socio-economic and legal aspects of key events and draws comparisons with other CEE states. Key socio-legal theories are used to explain trends and strains in the post-Communist and post-totalitarian period. With the benefit of access to archival sources in Poland and Russia, this book will be of interest to students and researchers of European Law, Law and Society and International Criminal Justice.