Problem of a rational sanction for an aggravated murder in Polish penal law

Abstract

The article discusses problems regarding the sanctioning of an aggravated murder in Polish penal law. These problems have already occurred in the years 2005–2011, when an attempt to implement only imprisonment of 25 years and life imprisonment for murder was made in order to explicitly distinguish between sanctions for a second degree murder and an aggravated murder. This change raised doubts of a constitutional nature and eventually, after a short period, was withdrawn. The problem, however, still exists and, as it seems, another erroneous attempt of solving it is an initiative to introduce to Polish law by the act of 13th June 2019 a determinate life sentence for murder. The article criticises this solution. The publication presents a postulate of applying life im-prisonment only for mass murderers during war — or — for serial killers. For other homicides and murders the penalty should not exceed 30 years, or at most, shall be supplemented by the preventive measures against dangerous criminals in society adopted after serving the sentence. For each of the penalties discussed in the article the law shall provide for the conditions to be fulfilled by a prisoner to be able to apply for parole.