Idea przedstawicielstwa społecznego w polskim postępowaniu karnym

The publication presents the assumptions of participation of social organizations in the Polish criminal proceedings. This idea was formed in the 60s of last century. As a result, the representative of social organisation was introduced to the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1969. Its task was to defend the interest of society, mainly the social property and the citizens’ rights. Next, the author discusses the evolution of this idea. The task of the representative of social organization in the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1997 is to protect the goods, which are important for the general public and individual matters of citizens. The representative of social organization is also a friend of the court (amicus curiae). It presents the legal opinions on recognized matters to the court and helps to resolve them. It is an element of citizens’ participation in justice. Great reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 2013 maintained this idea.