In April 1989, initial modifications were made to the Constitution to guarantee judicial independence. Other changes at this time included an amendment to trade union legislation and a new law on the formation of independent associations. Work is currently being carried out to provide for civil rights, and a new penal code is being drafted. The entire criminal justice system is being reorganized on the basis of judicial independence. The political police have been disbanded, and law enforcement and other institutions of social control are being subordinated to the law. In examining both current and historical developments in Poland, book contributors consider the Polish prison system, the role of society in the execution of prison sentences after World War II, and prisons and interests of the State. Contributors also review the functioning of Kolegia (penal-administrative units) in public order offenses; the authorization of illegality in the context of official law, intuitive law, and social interests; social perceptions of authority; alcohol and drug abuse issues and treatment responses in Poland; and social policy and social control aspects of drugs and AIDS. References