Judge Maciej Nawacki will maintain his judicial immunity after the Supreme Court ruled that his actions during a judge assembly did not constitute legal consequences.
The Polish Supreme Court ruled in favor of Judge Maciej Nawacki, stating that his act of tearing up a request from fellow judges during a meeting in February 2020 did not result in any legal repercussions. The decision was based on the assessment that Nawacki's actions did not pose any significant social harm and therefore did not exceed a negligible threshold of wrongdoing. The case was brought forward by the National Public Prosecutor's Office, which sought to hold Nawacki accountable for his actions.
During the initial assembly, Nawacki, who was the president of the Regional Court in Olsztyn at the time, tore documents that had been presented to him by a group of 31 judges. This document requested a vote on three proposed resolutions, which Nawacki dismissed by tearing it up in a dramatic display. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for judicial conduct and the accountability of judges within the Polish legal system, particularly in the context of increasing scrutiny over judicial independence in Poland.
Nawacki's retention of judicial immunity signifies a crucial point in Polish legal discourse, particularly regarding the autonomy of the judiciary and the relationship between judges and prosecutorial bodies. This ruling may embolden other judges facing scrutiny and highlights ongoing tensions within the Polish judicial system, especially amid ongoing discussions related to reforms and the integrity of judicial processes.
