No Polish laws have been introduced specifically to penalise the homeless, though certain everyday activities related to homelessness are penalised, usually by the Code of Petty Offences. For instance, bathing in forbidden areas, begging and the fouling and littering of public places are all subject to fines. In addition, domestic trespass is a criminal offence subject to a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.
This chapter provides general information regarding the penalisation of homelessness in Poland. Our legal analysis was limited to the relevant criminal legislation and its application in practice. We also reviewed press releases issued within the last five years and analysed the law pertaining to the survival needs of the homeless in Poland and demands raised in the public sphere in respect of those needs. These issues are of a more general character and are presented first.
For the full text click here
