Horizontal Dimension of Constitutional Social Rights

The main purpose of this paper is to determine the
applicability of the constitutional social rights in the so-called
horizontal relations, i.e. the relations between private entities.
Nowadays the constitutional rights are more and more often violated
by private entities and not only by the state. The private entities
interfere with the privacy of individuals, limit their freedom of
expression or disturb their peaceful gatherings. International
corporations subordinate individuals in a way which may limit their
constitutional rights. These new realities determine the new role of
the constitution in protecting human rights.
The paper will aim at answering two important questions. Firstly,
are the private entities obliged to respect the constitutional social
rights of other private entities and can they be liable for violation of
these rights? Secondly, how the constitutional social rights can
receive horizontal effect? Answers to these questions will have a
significant meaning for the popularisation of the practice of applying
the Constitution among the citizens as well as for the courts which
settle disputes between them.

• Monika Florczak-Wątor

• Constitution
• horizontal application
• private relations
• social rights.

[1] The Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2nd April, 1997, as
published in Journal of Laws (Dziennik Ustaw) No. 79, item 483, with
amendments.
[2] M. Florczak-Wątor, „Horyzontalny wymiar praw konstytucyjnych“
(Horizontal dimension of constitutional rights), Cracow 2014, p. 63-208
[3] A. S. Butler, “Constitutional Rights in Private Litigation: a Critique and
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20; C. O’Cinneide, “Irish Constitutional Law and Direct Horizontal
Effect – A Successful Experiment?” (in:) D. Oliver, J. Fedtke (ed.),
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2007, p. 213 n.; A. Clapham, “Human Rights Obligations of Non-State
Actors”, New York 2006, p. 441
[4] Judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court of 15. 01.1958, 1 BvR
400/51, BVerfGE 7,198.
[5] J. Fedtke, “South Africa. From Indirect to Direct Effect in South Africa:
A System in Transition” (in:) D. Oliver, J. Fedtke (ed.), Human Rights
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[8] H. C. Nipperdey, „Gleicher Lohn der Frau für gleiche Leistung. Ein
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[9] See judgments of the Federal Labour Court: of 3.12.1954, 1 AZR
150/54, BAGE 1, 185 (Kündigung eines Betriebsratsmitglieds); of
10.05.1957, 1 AZR 249/57, BAGE 4, 274 (Zölibatsklausel).
[10] G. Dürig, „Grundrechte und Zivilrechtsprechung“ (in:) T. Maunz (ed.),
Von Bonner Grundgesetz zur gesamtdeutschen Verfassung. Festschrift
zum 75. Geburtstag von Hans Nawiasky, München 1956; G. Dürig (in:)
T. Maunz, G. Dürig, R. Herzog, R. Scholz, P. Lerche, H.-J. Papier, A.
Randelzhofer, E. Schmidt-Assmann, „Grundgesetz. Kommentar“, Band
I, Munchen 1990.
[11] M. Florczak-Wątor, „Horyzontalny wymiar praw konstytucyjnych“
(Horizontal dimension of constitutional rights), Cracow 2014, p. 100-
115.
[12] E. Łętowska, M. Jagielska, K. Lis., P. Mikłaszewicz, A. Wiewiórowska-
Domagalska, “Implementation of Consumer Law in Poland”, European
Review of Private Law No. 6/2007, p. 885 n.