2017-01-052017-01-051987Ruch Prawniczy, Ekonomiczny i Socjologiczny 49, 1987, z. 4, s. 125-1340035-9629http://hdl.handle.net/10593/17265The author points out to the French tradition in Belgian law, especially in civil and penal law. New ideas in the civil and penal law in Belgium have deeply transformed the philosophy and enforcement of the traditional rules. The author proceeds to discuss the plan proposed by Prof. Simone Huynen showing the evolution of paternal authority over the ages. Major changes occured as a result of the French Revolution of 1789. The Napoleonic legislation modernized the parent-child relationship to a great extent. The author then explains the idea of reaching penal majority according to Roman Law and indicates the differences in the French penal code. In 1830 Belgium became an independent country and chose its own solution in the protection of youth. The author discusses the advantages and weaknesses of Belgian legislation, explaining the complex social and national set up of his country. Conflicting interests create tensions in the society, which has to choose between security and liberty, yet solutions have to be sought for and eventually found.polinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessArtykuł