The Role of the Constitutional Tribunal in Harmonizing the Institutional System in Poland

Aim: The article focuses on the impact of formal institutions on the efficiency of economic processes. It presents mechanisms intended to safeguard the institutional framework against destabilisation. In the final, empirical section, the article attempts to demonstrate how the Constitutional Tribunal may influence institutional harmonisation, and consequently, the quality of economic processes. Methodology: The article employs a hypothetical-deductive approach based on general propositions concerning the concept of institutions. The empirical section is formulated using case study analysis and a deontic modal character assessment. Results: The findings indicate that although the Constitutional Tribunal’s influence on the harmonisation of the institutional system is a real phenomenon, its capacity to protect this system remains marginal. Implications and recommendations: The article highlights the need to strengthen institutional safeguards that extend beyond constitutional adjudication. Enhancing the Tribunal’s independence and developing its procedural instruments could improve its effectiveness as a guardian of institutional stability. Originality/value: This study offers an interdisciplinary perspective at the intersection of constitutional law and institutional economics. It contributes to the literature by demonstrating the systemic consequences of constitutional adjudication for economic governance and path dependence.