Legal Systems in Russia

Russia’s legal system is completely different from its communist past. During the Communist Revolution of 1917, the country had several laws that limited the rights of individuals. These laws protected the government from citizens who were a threat to communist power. This system was the opposite of the legal systems in Western Europe and North America. In those countries, the legal system protects citizens from the government.

In Soviet Russia, the legal system was used on behalf of political goals. These efforts were part of communism’s control of education and society. The Soviet legal system also had strong punishments for opponents of communism. These punishments included imprisonment in a labor camp or a death sentence. Since the fall of communism, the legal system of the Russian Federation has become more open. In modern Russia, there are many civil and criminal courts. Reporters have a chance to write about these proceedings, too.

Legal System of Soviet Russia

After the Communist Revolution of 1917, the Soviets created a socialist legal system. The laws of Tsarist Russia were no longer in place. The new system broke away from the Western legal tradition. Anything that was a threat to communism became a crime. Running an underground business was one such crime. Making profits or supporting capitalism was also a crime. The death penalty was possible for some of these offenses.

In addition, there were many “show trials” during the Soviet era. These trials took place while Josef Stalin ran the Soviet Union. These events were used to eliminate Stalin’s rivals and opponents. Military and political leaders were charged with treason and executed. Defense lawyers did not argue with these charges because they had to accept the accusations as truth. These lawyers could only try to get a less serious punishment for their clients. In these situations, a person’s education and profession were factors in the outcome of a trial. A doctor or scientist could be considered too “bourgeois” and get a severe sentence.

Legal System of the Russian Federation

Since the fall of communism, the Russian Federation has adopted a more Western-style legal system. There are many courts in this new legal system. These courts include the Constitutional Court, civil courts, justices of the peace and military courts.

The most important law in the country is the 1996 Federal Constitutional Law. Under this law, foreign individuals and companies have the same rights to sue and be sued in Russian courts. Still, there are delays and high costs with filing lawsuits in Russia. Many of the judges do not have a lot of experience. Cases can also be reviewed by the Constitutional Court. The Court only debates matters of law, not evidence, and its rulings cannot be appealed.