Part of the European Reform University Alliance’s (ERUA) mission is to increase the alliance’s societal impact by creating a powerful academic hub for critical and innovative contribution to a free, more equitable and democratic Europe. The international intensive course “The Faces of Justice”, which took place at SWPS University from 27 to 30 October 2025, was well-aligned with ERUA’s mission because it focused on different faces of justice — a phenomenon that is fundamental for the contemporary, constitutional, liberal democracies.
Theoretical and practical aspects of justice
During the course, participants had the opportunity to learn both the theoretical foundations for understanding justice from the perspective of social sciences, such as political science and law, and their practical impact, exemplified by actual case studies (e.g., fundamental rights and new technologies). Thanks to this approach, students gained a broad, interdisciplinary perspective, which can serve as a basis for further research and help expand their knowledge and practical experience.
Additionally, the participants had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Professor Andreasa Philippopoulosa-Mihalopoulosa from the University of Westminster, entitled “Performing Spatial Justice“ — a concept that links social justice principles to how resources, opportunities, and power are distributed across geographic space.
Lecture during the ERUA course "The Faces of Justice" at SWPS University
Students participate in the ERUA "The Faces of Justice" course at SWPS University
Teaching a class at the ERUA course "The Faces of Justice" at SWPS University
It was significant that the course participants included students from the Western Europe and from the countries, which joined the European Union in 2004. This facilitated an exchange of ideas and perspectives and was conducive to building a better understanding between individuals from different parts of the European continent.
Organizers
The course “The Faces of Justice” was organized by the Faculty of Law in Warsaw in collaboration with the Center for the Study of History and Justice that is affiliated with the Institute of Social Sciences at SWPS University.
It was coordinated by Dr. Filip Cyuńczyk from the Faculty of Law in Warsaw and the Center for the Study of History and Justice.
The course was attended by students from the following universities:
- European University Viadrina, Germany
- Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- University Paris 8, France
- University of Macerata, Italy
- SWPS University, Poland.
Coordinator of the Summer School
Filip Cyuńczyk
Ph.D. / Assistant Profesor, Faculty of Law in Warsaw, SWPS University
Dr. Cyuńczyk is a lawyer, specializing in sociology and history of law. In 2019, he obtained a doctorate from the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warsaw. He is also a graduate of the International Institute for the Sociology of Law in Oñati, Gipuzkoa, Spain. His research interests include sociology of law, in particular constitutionalism, relationship between law and group identity, conflict resolution policy, legal regulation of collective memory, and studies on legal education. Read more
ERUA Member Universities
Funding