DEFINICJA LOBBINGU WEDŁUG USTAWY Z 7 LIPCA 2005 R.

Abstract

In Poland the term lobby has a number of meanings, which is undoubtedly the result of an absence o f a comprehensive and full legal regulation of this particular institution. The first part of the paper is therefore devoted to definitions of ‘lobby’ formulated in non-legal literature. Then, legal definitions of lobbying that operate in selected states (USA, Australia, Canada, Georgia and Lithuania) are presented. The last part of the paper contains presentation of common features of the analysed definitions. The terms „interest groups” as well as „lobby groups” with reference to the Private Members’ Bills concerning the phenomenon o f lobbying are also discussed. In its essence, the paper is a somewhat critical characteristics o f the Polish definition o f ‘lobbying’ shown on the basis of several problems that arose in the process o f the work o f the parliamentary Extraordinary Committee. In conclusion, several obervations de lege ferenda concerning the existing legal regulation are presented.