On the Perception of Law as a “Space of Opportunity” for Entrepreneurs

Abstract

The legal system provides both a framework for the development of economic activity, stating the principles according to which it is carried out, and a certain degree of protection for entrepreneurs. This article suggests an approach at normative regulations pertaining to entrepreneurship whereby they are perceived as a system composed of opportunities for entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study is to present the regulations of the Entrepreneur Law Act as a law comprising “opportunities” that stem from principles informed by a value system and the deriving, legally defined modes of action of the public authorities (economic administration) that shape relations with entrepreneurs. These principles and the resulting relations have been referred to the specific institution within the Entrepreneur Law Act, i.e. scrutiny of economic activity, which establishes legal scope (whose importance cannot be understated given the perspective of the protective function of public economic law) for not so much intervention as protection (respecting) of entrepreneurs’ rights. It was pointed out that measures aimed at protecting entrepreneurs constitute an important element of balancing the position of the inspecting and the inspected in the course of scrutiny, without compromising the efficacy of enforcing law by a public authority.