On the unconstitutionality of the remuneration policy for attorneys-at-law who provide ex-officio legal aid

The paper discloses the reasons why the principles of remunerating attorneys-at-law who provide legal aid ex officio do not meet constitutional standards as well as indicates the resulting legal consequences. The author concludes that differentiating the remuneration of attorneys-at-law appointed by a party to the proceedings and attorneys-at-law appointed by the court for the same activities undertaken as part of the legal aid provided is unconstitutional, especially in the light of the conclusions resulting from the analysis of the judgement of the Constitutional Tribunal of 23 April 2020, file ref. SK 66/19. The paper also interprets the possible ways of removing the aforementioned unconstitutionality in the process of judicial application of the law, which may be significant before the compliance with the Constitution of the principles for remuneration of attorneys-at-law providing ex officio legal aid will be ensured by the legislator.