Freedom of the Press? Poland in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Abstract

This article presents the history of legal regulations concerning the press in the Polishterritories. The elements of the freedom of the press included in legal acts, usually of a descriptive character, have been considered. The first chapter deals with the first half of the 19th century and the loss of independence of Poland. In the second part, regulations in force in the second part of 19th century resulting from political and social reforms are described. The third chapter focuses on the difficulties of press regulation in the Second Polish Republic. In the last, fourth, chapter the rebirth of strict censorship in People’s Polish Republic is presented.