Samowola

Samowola is a Polish noun describing an action taken without the required authorization or in disregard of formal rules, often implying a breach of procedures or overstepping of powers. The word derives from sam- “oneself” and wola “will,” reflecting an act performed by individuals or authorities of their own accord.

In everyday use, samowola denotes unauthorized acts by private individuals or by public officials acting beyond their legal powers. The term is commonly applied in contexts such as construction, land use, or administrative decisions where formal permissions or procedures were ignored.

In the legal and administrative sphere, samowola appears in phrases like samowola budowlana, referring to building activity conducted without the required permit or in violation of building regulations. Samowola budowlana can trigger enforcement actions by authorities, including administrative penalties and orders to modify or demolish the unauthorised work, as well as potential liability for related costs. The concept is associated with the broader idea of acting without legal authorization, and it is not a single formal criminal offense, but a label used in law and governance to describe rule-breaking or overreach.

Usage of samowola can vary by context, ranging from everyday criticism of informal rule-breaking to precise legal language in regulatory frameworks. It often carries a negative connotation, emphasising a breach of procedures rather than moral wrongdoing.

See also: bezprawie, nadużycie władzy, prawo budowlane.