Szarapo v Poland: ECHR 23 May 2002

Hudoc Judgment (Merits and just satisfaction) Violation of Art. 6-1; Non-pecuniary damage – financial award
The parties had been involved in an application for a declaration of paternity and maintenance. They began in 1980. Poland became a convention signatory in 1993. The proceedings were concluded in 2000.
Held: The court could only look at the time period after Poland became a signatory. Nevertheless the time taken by the proceedings was unreasonable, and a breach of the parties’ rights. Though both parties had undoubtedly suffered great stress and inconvenience over the years, damages would be limited to 6,500 Euros.

Judges:

Mr G. RESS, President, Mr I. CABRAL BARRETO, Mr J. MAKARCZYK, Mr P. KURIS, Mr B. ZUPANCIC, Mr J. HEDIGAN, Mr K. TRAJA, judges, and Mr V. BERGER

Citations:

40835/98

Statutes:

European Convention on Human Rights 6.1

Jurisdiction:

Human Rights

Human Rights

Updated: 30 June 2022; Ref: scu.172164