The Role of Lay Judges in the Process of Adjudication

The paper attempts to expound upon the actual and statutory role of lay judges in the process of adjudication. A theoretical model was confronted with the practice of making judicial determinations. The authors analysed the state of the law on the matter and the functions of lay judges accorded thereto by the legislator. In addition, as a result of extensive sociological-legal studies, a typology of the moments of composing a judgment (i.e. during deliberations; in between cases; conversations with prosecutors; voluntary acceptance of liability (plea bargain)) and of types of deliberations present in Polish courts (deliberation without deliberation, deliberation dominated by the judge, deliberation pro forma, the ideal type, deliberation and a discussion – bargaining) is described.