Human dignity as a source, foundation, and principle of the constitutional order in the state of law

Abstract

In the Preamble and art. 30 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the dignity of the person is described as the core of humanity present in any human being, inherent, inalienable, and inviolable. Such constitutional characterization means that this value should be regarded as the axiological foundation of human rights. As a base of the human rights' axiology, human dignity limits the application of all norms, including constitutional ones, which undermine this value. This article presents the interpretation of the notion of "human dignity" in the context of the principle of a democratic state ruled by law. In conclusion, the author proves that human dignity is a source, foundation, and principle of the constitutional order in a state ruled by law.

Keywords

• human dignity, state of law, values in law, constitutional principles; axiological foundation of human rights (human rights' axiology