The Stunning Career of the Preposition "wobec". The Dispute over the Constitutional Tribunal and the Polish Language

The recent controversy surrounding the oath of five judges of the Constitutional Tribunal in Poland highlights the significance of the preposition "wobec". This term, which can mean either "in the presence of" or "addressing", affects the validity of the judges' oath taken without the president's physical presence. Legal experts argue that the oath remains binding despite the absence of President Karol Nawrocki, as the Constitution does not explicitly require his presence during the swearing-in process. The interpretation of "wobec" varies across legal contexts, leading to differing opinions among legal scholars and former judges. The ongoing debate reflects broader issues of judicial independence and the rule of law in Poland.