RITUAL SLAUGHTER IN THE POLISH LEGAL SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of the changes in the Polish law concerning ritual slaughter since 1997 when Ustawa o ochronie zwierząt (Animal Protection Act) was passed. Consequent legislative changes are presented in chronological order, in comparison with the public debate on the topic. The author focuses especially on the judgments of the Constitutional Court and on the reasoning that was used to present the sentences. Apart from the issues connected with law the paper also attempts to summarise the debate on ritual slaughter in Poland, especially with regard to the statements of religious associations.