Modern Western Historiography and Russian Legal and Judicial Practices of the 18–20{th} Centuries: Main Research Trends

Abstract

The article is devoted to the current trend of modern Western historiography: the study of the Russian Empire juridical relations. The analysis is made on the materials of the French historical periodicals. Historians try to identify the key principles feeding law practice in the context of a more general change in values of Russian society, overcoming the traditional dichotomy between the theory and practice of law. Key topics and priorities of this research direction show the close relationship between law principles and practices, because the logic of administration often provoke legislative changes, the officials of the Russian / Soviet Empire combine administrative and legal prerogatives and the historical specifics shows a close relationship between institutionally separated political, administrative and legal branches of authorities. Historical researches have also focused on the study of the interaction between institutions and their representatives, various groups of the population who have different objectives, mutual perception and communication.