The implementation of academic freedom can be difficult both for policymakers and university authorities. A good example of these difficulties is the case of Poland. These difficulties stem from three factors: a weak legal tradition of academic freedom, a lack of legal definition of this freedom and the transition of Polish universities from the collegial to the managerial management model. This article analyzes the impact of these three factors on the situation of Polish scientists. It is very plausible that the introduction of a legal definition of academic freedom to the Law on Higher Education and Science could mitigate the tendency to limit academic freedom in Poland. Such a definition would make it difficult for governments, faculty and university authorities to interfere with this right and make it easier for researchers to assert their rights in court.