Judicial Reform in Russia: Problems of Implementation and Possible Solutions

Abstract

The article examines the conflicts and contradictions that have arisen in the implementation of the concept of judicial reform in the Russian Federation, adopted in 1991. The author highlights the main problems in the implementation of the objectives set out in the Concept: super-centralization of the judicial system, social stratification of justice, strengthening the conviction bias, staffing issues, breach of the principle of judicial independence. In the course of the study of this subject the author makes conclusions about the urgent need for a new reform of the Russian judicial system. Besides, the country needs radical innovations to ensure the real independence of judges from both the Executive Branch and from market players, and simultaneously loosening the centralization of authority of presiding judges. Otherwise, it will not be possible to regain the trust of the Russian society to justice.