Legal Nihilism: Its Essence, Content And Forms in Literature and Legal Science

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of legal nihilism that was reflected in the works of Russian and foreign writers, representatives of social and political thought. Nihilism as a complex social phenomenon was, for the first time, subjected to consideration in the works of Russian writers. Nihilist sentiments were widely spread in the second half of the 19th century. Similar processes took place not only in Russia, but also in the countries of Western Europe. Nihilism has many forms of its objectification. In its original form it meant a protest against traditions and traditional conservative values. It should be noted that nihilist tendencies developed mainly among intelligentsia belonging to different soccial classes. However, to some extent, they spread in the upper strata of the society as well. The paper focuses on legal nihilism, within which such values as the State, power, the law, law and order are being questioned. Indeed, despite some common features, legal nihilism in Russia did differ from legal nihilism in Western countries. It can be clearly seen in works of classics of Russian and foreign literature. The article describes the essence, content and forms of legal nihilism on the basis of works of representatives of the domestic legal science.