Born on 14th February 1941 in Stanisławów (now in Ukraine).

Graduated from the Wrocław University Law Faculty in 1965. In 1968 completed court articling at the Regional Court in Rzeszów and passed examinations to become a judge. In 1971 completed articling at Okręgowa Rada Adwokacka (Regional Law Bar Council) and passed examinations to become a solicitor. Worked as a solicitor between 1971 and 1989, 1991 and 1997, and 2003 and 2005. Was a member of Naczelna Rada Adwokacka (Supreme Law Bar Council) between 1986 and 1989, and Krajowa Rada Sądownictwa (National Judicial Council) between 1992 and 1997.

Between 1989 and 1991 served as Justice Minister in the government of Tadeusz Mazowiecki. In 2002-2003, served as Chairman of Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa (Agriculture Restructuring and Modernization Agency).

Chaired the Justice Committee in the Tenth and First Term Sejm. In the Second Term Sejm, was Chairman of the Justice and Human Rights Committee, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Legal Protection and Justice Institutions in the National Assembly Constitutional Committee, and Chairman of the Special Committee for Penal Codification. In the Third Term Sejm, was Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Human Rights Committee.

Between 1961 and 1965 - member of Związek Młodzieży Wiejskiej (Rural Youth Union).

Between 1963 and 1965 - Chairman of the Union's board at Wrocław University. In 1962 became a member of Zjednoczone Stronnictwo Ludowe (United People's Party) political party and then Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (Polish People's Party) political party. Serves as a member of the Supreme Council of that party.

In 1991 and between 1995 and 1996, was its Deputy Chairman.

Married, father of one child.