The legal system of the Russian Federation is based on the civil law system, which is derived from the Roman-Germanic legal tradition. The Constitution of the Russian Federation, which was adopted in 1993, is the supreme law of the country and serves as the basis for the legal system.
The Russian legal system is divided into two main branches: civil law and criminal law. Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, such as contract disputes and civil rights violations. Criminal law, on the other hand, is concerned with crimes committed against the state or society, and includes crimes such as murder, robbery, and drug trafficking.
The judicial system in Russia is organized into three levels: local courts, regional courts, and the Supreme Court. Local courts, also known as "courts of general jurisdiction," handle the majority of civil and criminal cases in the country. There are also specialized courts, such as arbitration courts, which handle disputes related to commercial and economic matters.
The Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees the independence of the judiciary, but in practice, the judiciary is subject to significant political influence. There have been concerns raised about the lack of judicial independence in Russia, particularly with regard to politically sensitive cases.
The legal profession in Russia is regulated by the Ministry of Justice, which sets standards for legal education and professional conduct. In order to practice law in Russia, an individual must hold a law degree and pass a qualification exam.
There are several different types of legal professionals in Russia, including judges, lawyers, and notaries. Lawyers, also known as "advocates," are responsible for representing clients in legal proceedings and providing legal advice. Notaries, on the other hand, are responsible for certifying legal documents and conducting legal transactions.
Overall, the legal system in Russia is influenced by both the civil law tradition and the Russian legal culture, which has evolved over centuries. While it has its challenges, the legal system in Russia plays an important role in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that individuals and organizations are held accountable for their actions.