Activities of boards adjudicating on misdemeanours during the period of martial law

Abstract

During the period of martial law (December 13, 1981 – December 30, 1982), the scope of competences of boards adjudicating on misdemeanours has significantly expanded. The decree on martial law established new facts regarding violations of martial law and increased penalties for a number of offenses. All cases of the most serious misdemeanours were resolved under an accelerated procedure, which did not secure the rights of the accused person. High fines subject to immediate conversion to substitute detention were ruled especially in cases of misdemeanours, to which the supervising boards adjudicating on misdemeanours the Ministry of Home Affairs attributed political character. Severe punishment of perpetrators of such offenses as participation in a strike action or participation in street demonstrations was aimed at intimidating the society and making citizens obey the communist authorities.