Abstract
The article discusses the way in which the procedure of presenting charges in the Polish
criminal trial has been shaped since Poland regained independence. Therefore, the solutions
adopted in the 1928 Code of Criminal Procedure are discussed, attention is drawn to the
changes that entered into force together with the Decree of 21 December 1955 amending the
provisions of criminal procedure, and the regulations concerning the presentation of charges
laid down in the 1969 Code of Criminal Procedure are thoroughly analysed. Comments are
also made on the currently applicable provisions of the 1997 Code of Criminal Procedure and
subsequent amendments to it. On the one hand, the article is aimed at extracting data useful
for reconstructing the historical process from the past and explaining the current shape of the
procedure. On the other hand, an attempt is made to indicate the genesis of the phenomena
the results of which can be observed today. Referring to the basic legal acts in the history of
the Polish procedural legislation and the statements made by some prominent lawyers, the
article also strives to present the most credible picture of the evolution of the perception of
the procedure of presenting charges.