Objectives:
The aim of the study was to learn about the worldview of public opinion regarding preferences for the minimum and maximum prison sentence for offences specified in Article 199 of the Penal Code.

Material and methods:
The survey was conducted in March 2024 based on the author's survey questionnaire on a group of 236 respondents - students. In her study, the author used the survey method and the interpretative-descriptive methodology, specific primarily to the legal professions (Dobosz, 2001, p. 24), using the purposive method of interpretation, consisting in finding the purpose of the legislator when issuing the regulation (Łętowski, 1995, p. 45).

Results:
The opinions indicated by the respondents on the punishment for the above-mentioned prohibited acts significantly differ from the limits specified in the Code and from the penalties imposed by the courts in practice. It is clearly visible that the respondents were characterized by great severity in their views, which can be particularly noticed in the fact that regarding the upper limit of the penalty as the highest indicated to be imposed under Article 199 of the Penal Code, they primarily indicated the penalty of life imprisonment, which significantly exceeds the currently available sanctions.

Conclusions:
It is difficult to find a clear explanation for views that are so harsh and different from the applicable provisions on penalties for the described crimes. Their indication is beyond the scope of this article. Among the hypothetical causes, one can indicate the influence of the media reporting on such prohibited acts.