The system and law of the Second Polish Republic: between the idea and reality

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of the legal and political system of the Second Polish Republic, revealing the tension between enlightened ideals and the difficult practice of governance. The author examines the foundations of the March Constitution and its subsequent erosion after the May Coup, pointing to the processes of centralization of power. A key element of the study is a discussion of the Codification Commission's monumental effort to unify the three separate legal systems left behind by the occupying powers. The text also sheds light on progressive social legislation, including protection of labor, motherhood, and equal rights for women, confronting these provisions with economic realities and the resistance of traditional social structures. This is a comprehensive look at the construction of modern statehood in conditions of deep divisions.