Description
Book SynopsisIs the Russian justice system actually as unreliable, ineffective and corrupt as we are led to believe? This volume identifies a number of tensions in the everyday life experiences of justice that illuminate some of the less obvious layers of Russian legal tradition.
Trade Review'A Sociology of Justice in Russia is the most analytically sophisticated and empirically rich volume ever produced on the everyday operation of the Russian legal system. While not ignoring the pathologies of Russian law that are widely covered in the Western press, this work highlights the ways in which ordinary Russian citizens seek - and often find - justice in their legal institutions. A Sociology of Justice in Russia is an essential read for all students of comparative law.' Eugene Huskey, William R. Kenan, Jr, Professor of Political Science, Stetson University, Florida
'Based on solid empirical research, this valuable collection offers many insights into contemporary Russian legal culture and its continuing lack of institutional and professional autonomy. As case studies in different Russian courts suggest, it is what the editors call 'administerial justice' that is available for matters such as human trafficking, migration cases, defamation and criminal law. Despite the difficulties, Russian citizens increasingly seek to find ways to obtain justice through legal means.' David Nelken, King's College London
'Rooted in an analysis which carefully considers a mixture of historical, social and political factors, this book provides a nuanced understanding of legal developments in post-Soviet Russia.' Paul Chaisty, University of Oxford
'In conclusion, this excellent collection demonstrates … that adherence to the 'Western rule of law yardstick' seems to offer the best route to improving justice systems not only in the West, but also in Russia.' Simon Cosgrove, Europe-Asia Studies
Table of Contents1. An introduction to the sociology of justice in Russia Marina Kurkchiyan and Agnieszka Kubal; 2. The professionalisation of law in the context of the Russian legal tradition Marina Kurkchiyan; 3. To go to court or not? The evolution of disputes in Russia Kathryn Hendley; 4. The everyday experiences of Russian citizens in Justice of the Peace Courts Varvara Andrianova; 5. In search of justice: migrants' experiences of appeal in the Moscow City Court Agnieszka Kubal; 6. When business goes to Court: Arbitrazh Courts in Russia Timur Bocharov and Kirill Titaev; 7. Journalists, judges and state officials: how Russian courts adjudicate defamation lawsuits against the media Maria Popova; 8. Accusatorial bias in Russian criminal justice Peter H. Solomon, Jr; 9. Decision-making in the Russian criminal justice system: investigators, procurators, judges and human trafficking cases Lauren McCarthy; 10. The Richelieu effect: the Khodorkovsky case and political interference with justice Jeffrey Kahn; 11. Administerial justice: concluding remarks on the Russian legal tradition Marina Kurkchiyan and Agnieszka Kubal.
