Expert’s Report on Conditions in the Polish Justice System (Expert Witness)

Independent Legal & Human Rights Assessments from Poland

At CriminalLawPoland.com, our team provides independent expert reports on the functioning of the Polish justice and prison systems, including access to medical care, conditions of detention, and human rights compliance.

These reports are frequently commissioned by foreign courts, solicitors, and international organisations in connection with:

• Extradition proceedings
• Asylum and humanitarian protection cases
• Mutual legal assistance requests
• Human rights and ECHR assessments

Each report is prepared by experienced legal experts familiar with the operation of the Polish penitentiary and healthcare systems, drawing on official data, current legal sources, and reliable independent research.

Scope of the Expert Opinion

Our reports provide comprehensive answers to specific issues typically raised by foreign authorities, including the following:

A. Medical care in polish prisons

We describe in detail the healthcare available to inmates in Poland, including:

• Number of doctors and nurses available per inmate.
• Intake procedures: waiting time to be seen by a medical professional and whether a physical examination is included.
• How medical records are obtained, stored, and updated, and possible obstacles for foreign inmates.
• Barriers between requesting and receiving medical attention.
• Reported delays in medical consultations for emergencies and general illnesses.
• Quality of care compared to healthcare in the general community.
• Access to medication, treatment, and ongoing care.
• Access to specialist medical care outside the prison.
• Other systemic issues related to medical care in Polish prisons.

B. Compassionate release

We assess whether Polish law provides for compassionate release (e.g. for terminally ill or severely ill inmates) and include:

• The number of releases granted annually.
• The legal and medical criteria applied.
• The procedural steps and evidentiary requirements.Likely place of detention

We identify the most probable detention facility for the individual concerned, based on:

• Type of sentence and security classification.
• Medical requirements and available infrastructure.
• Geographic and logistical factors.

C. Medical care at the specific prison

We provide detailed information about healthcare standards at the likely detention facility, covering:

• Staffing ratios (doctors and nurses per inmate).
• Admission procedures and physical examinations.
• Record management and accessibility for foreign inmates.
• Barriers to obtaining medical attention.
• Reported delays in treatment.
• Quality of healthcare and comparison with public healthcare standards.
• Access to medication, ongoing treatment, and specialist care.
• Other identified issues specific to the facility.

D. Recognition of foreign medical diagnoses

We analyse:

• The likelihood that foreign medical documentation and diagnoses (e.g. from the UK or Ukraine) will be recognised by Polish authorities.
• Whether equivalent medication, treatment, and ongoing care will be provided without delay.

E. Assistance with daily needs

We assess the level of daily assistance available for inmates with neurological or mobility impairments, including help with:

• Showering and personal hygiene.
• Dressing and movement within the facility.
• Access to disability-adapted areas or equipment.

F. Access to specialist doctors and hospital appointments

Our report explains:

• The likelihood of access to specialist medical professionals.
• Possibility and frequency of attending hospital appointments while in custody.
• Average waiting times for external medical consultations.

 G. Treatment during external medical appointments

We describe:

• The procedures for escorting inmates to external medical facilities.
• The level of security, privacy, and respect for human dignity during such appointments.

I. Access to physiotherapy

We evaluate:

• Likelihood of access to physiotherapy.
• Possibility of attending sessions while in custody.
• Waiting times and practical barriers to receiving physiotherapy treatment.

Purpose and use of the report

Our expert opinions are designed to assist foreign courts and legal representatives in evaluating whether detention or extradition to Poland complies with:

• Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
• European Prison Rules
• United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules)

Each report is written in clear, evidence-based English, with references to:

• Polish legislation and penitentiary regulations
• Ministry of Justice and Prison Service data
• Reports from the Ombudsman, NGOs, and international observers

If necessary, members of our team may also testify as an expert witness on the above facts to help the court to achieve the overriding objective by giving opinion which is objective and unbiased.