First published in 1988, Political Trials in Poland 1981-1986 describes the major political trials which took place in Poland between 1981 and 1986. Based on extensive original research using both official and unofficial information from Poland and interviews with Solidarity activists, it shows how the trials constituted an attempt by the Jaruzelski regime to break the back of the independent Solidarity movement by judicial and penal measures. It discusses how the authorities abused the law and how the law itself leaves much to be desired and it charts the different human rights that were violated in each case. It considers the implications of the abuse of law in this way for the rule of law and the image of the state in communist countries. This book will be of interest to students of history and political science.