The government makes a simple argument. Juries are a social function, but ordinary judges are compensated. Therefore, there is no basis for a special pension benefit. However, ordinary judges’ salaries are low.
How much does a juror earn?
The working day rate is PLN 184.95. The maximum working time is 12 days. An ordinary judge residing in the city where the court is held is entitled to a lump sum to cover the costs of traveling to the court by local transport in the current amount of PLN 17.51 (0.25% of the base for determining the judge’s basic salary). A person living far away is entitled to a daily allowance (and reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs according to the rules established for judges).
Important! For the term of office 2024-2027, according to data as of June 19, 2024, only 6,075 ordinary judges were elected. This is not enough for the needs. One of the reasons for the low interest in performing this function is the low compensation that does not cover the costs of resigning from work.
The Ministry of Justice said in response to the parliamentary inquiry:
“(…) Being an ordinary judge is an honorable form of community participation in the performance of public functions, not a means of making money.”
Instead of the regular judges’ allowances, a media campaign was organized.
Details of the Ministry of Justice’s position are in the file below:
From the file above, a quote stating that the Ministry of Justice will not grant another retirement bonus:
“(…) In the opinion of the Ministry of Justice, the main factor causing difficulties in the process of appointing lay judges is the lack of proper promotion of the social significance of the lay judge’s function. Therefore, recognizing the important function performed by lay judges for society and the justice system, the Ministry of Justice has carried out a publicity and education campaign aimed at strengthening the lay judge institution, increasing cooperation with local governments, strengthening the lay judge institution, increasing the participation of lay judges in the hearing of cases before the courts and giving a widely understood professional character to the lay judge’s function.
Given the above circumstances, the measures taken will popularize the function of lay judges among citizens and create a better communication opportunity in order to develop the best solutions to respond to the needs of lay judges reported in relation to their duties. In this regard, it is planned to develop a Lay Judge Guide, which will be available on the website of the Ministry of Justice, and to prepare classes for high schools that include meetings with lay judges, thanks to which students will learn the importance and essence of this institution.
Let’s compare this situation with other people’s retirement supplements.
Rescue benefit as an addition to the pension of a volunteer firefighter in the fire department
Rescue benefit is granted upon application:
1) Women over the age of 60, provided that they have been actively involved in rescue and firefighting operations for at least 20 years,
2) Men over 65 years of age, provided that they have been actively involved in rescue and firefighting operations for at least 25 years.
It currently amounts to PLN 258 per month plus pension. This amount increases every year as part of indexation.
122,106 people receive this pension supplement.
Village Heads Retirement Allowance
As of March 2024, its value has increased to PLN 336.36 (12% of indexation).
Basic conditions for obtaining the grant:
- The position of village head for at least two terms, and not less than 8 years;
- Reaching retirement age of 60 or 65.
Village chiefs’ meals
Introducing the obligation to grant allowances to all village and municipal heads to provide them with insurance. These are the latest proposals of the deputies. They were included in the draft amendment to the Law on Municipal Self-Government and the Law on the Village Fund. The authors of the draft amendment to the Law on Municipal Self-Government and the Law on the Village Fund? Members of the Parliamentary Club Poland 20250-Trzecia Druga.
Important! The deputies propose to establish mandatory allowances for village heads and grant them the right to reimburse business travel expenses. Municipalities will also have to cover the costs of insuring the village head against civil liability and accidents while performing his duties. These powers will also be given to the heads of residential estate boards.
Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.