The science of encyclopedia of law in the Russian Empire for the period from XIX century to 1917

Abstract

This article attempts to define encyclopedia of law as a science developed in the Russian Empire over the period from XIX century to 1917. The author employs dialectical, formal-dogmatic, systemic, comparative-historical methods. The source base contains monographs, textbooks and lections of the leading legal experts on the encyclopedia of law, theory of state and law. Currently, the historical-legal science does not pay due attention to encyclopedia of law. The scientific novelty is substantiated by the subject and methods of research. Comparison is conducted on the subject and object of research, methods, tasks and functions of the science of encyclopedia of law, as well as theory of state and law. Encyclopedia of law features the interpretation of legal science in its common grounds and organic unity; represents an overview on law connected by the single plot with various branches of law, and gives characteristics to the key provisions of law. A conclusion is made that the science of encyclopedia of law fulfilled mainly propaedeutic functions, and was an originator of the modern science of the theory of state and law. Further development and transformation of encyclopedia of law into the science of theory of state and law was substantiated by the advancement of other humanities – philosophy, sociology, etc. and historical events of the early XX century, which set new tasks and goals for legal science. The research results actualize the experience of development of the theory of law, as well as allow improving the theory of law based on the ideas and approaches of encyclopedia of law.