Main Directions of Judicial and Legal Policies of the Russian Empire (1825-1850)
Purpose: This study aims to research the specific dynamic of formation of judicial and legal policy of the Russian Empire in the second quarter of the first half of the 19th century. Methodology: Historical and legalistic approaches, as well as method of historical periodization were used in the article. Results: The author gives periodization of development of judicial and legal policies of Russia in the second quarter of the first half of the 19th century on the basis of the analysis of reform of public administration. The two main periods are discussed. The beginning of the first period is tied to accession to the throne of Emperor Nikolay I in 1825 and legal transformations related to his rule: review of activities of the Legislative Comissions by M.M.Speransky by the request of the Emperor, Speransky’s preparation of the plan for systematization of the legislation and his work on «Complete Collection of Laws of the Russian Empire» (1830) and «Digest of Laws of the Russian Empire» (1832). The role of the Minister of Justice D.N. Bludov (1839) in preparation of «Statute of Proceedings for Crimes and Offenses» is examined as well. The second period is the period of service of V.N. Panin as the Minister of Justice (1839-1862). Contradictions of the ideas of D.N. Bludov and V.N. Panin are explained. V.N. Panin’s role in creation of the Moscow Archive of the Ministry of Justice (1852) is analyzed as well. Novelty/originality/value: This study has a scientific value as it establishes the continuity of the ideas of statesmen of the considered period, as well as existence of contradictions between such ideas. The sources of the State Archive of the Russian Federation are used in the article.