The Notion of ‘a Considerable Quantity’ of Narcotics in the Case Law of Polish Courts

Abstract

The subject matter of this paper is the notion of a considerable quantity of narcotics. ‘A considerable quantity’ of narcotics is a determining factor in many criminal narcotics offences. The term ‘a considerable quantity’ does not have a statutory definition. It is an evaluative term, and its interpretation creates many problems in the practice of the justice system. In this paper, the author attempts to illustrate the notion of ‘a considerable quantity’ as applied in case law in Poland by examining numerous court decisions. The author presents a variety of criteria used to determine whether a given quantity of narcotics is a considerable quantity and also presents sample court decisions in which these criteria were applied. This is used to demonstrate the disparity of interpretation between different courts. Drawing on the results of the analysis undertaken, the author identifies the notion of this quantity, which is currently dominant in Polish court case law. This notion conceives of ‘a considerable quantity’ of narcotics as an amount which can satisfy the needs of at least several dozen users on a single occasion, thus a quantity from which at least several dozen consumption portions can be made.

Keywords

• Narcotics
• illicit drugs
• psychotropic substances
• considerable quantity of narcotics
• case law of Polish courts
• Polish criminal law

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