Freedom of Expression/History/Country sources/Poland
What is the oldest written source in this country that mentions this right?
Poland
The Constitution of 1997 was the first document to protect freedom of expression in the present-day Republic of Poland, with Article 54 specifically outlining the right. Article 54 of the 1997 Constitution of Poland states: "The freedom to express opinions, to acquire and to disseminate information shall be ensured to everyone.” That said, past Polish governments have protected this right through a variety of legal documents, the earliest being the 1921 Constitution of the Republic of Poland.
Article 104 of the 1921 constitution states: “Every citizen has the right to express his ideas and opinions freely, provided that in so doing he does not violate the law.”
Article 105 of the same further stipulates: “Liberty of the Press is guaranteed. The Press shall not be subject to censorship and shall not be subsidized…”
Article 5 of the 1935 constitution reaffirms this right: “(2) The State assures its citizens the possibility of developing their personal capabilities, as also liberty of conscience, speech, and assembly. (3) The limit of these liberties is the common good.”
References:
“Constitution of the Republic of Poland, March 17 1921.” Sejm of the Republic of Poland. Accessed July 17, 2023. http://libr.sejm.gov.pl/tek01/txt/kpol/e1921.html
“Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2nd April, 1997.” Sejm of the Republic of Poland. Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.sejm.gov.pl/prawo/konst/angielski/kon1.htm
“Poland 1997,” Constitute Project, accessed June 11, 2024, https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Poland_1997
“The Polish Republic,” HeinOnline, accessed June 7, 2024. https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzsn0036&id=4&collection=cow&index= (p.77)
“Constitution of the Republic of Poland (April 23rd, 1935)”. HeinOnline. Accessed June 7, 2024. https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.cow/zzsn0036&id=4&collection=cow&index= (p.12)