VOLYN PROVINCE MAGISTRATE: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMPERIAL COURT PROCEDURE (1796-1797)

Abstract

Abstract
 This article aims to examine the process of developing the state court procedure for citizens in the border province of Volyn, in adherence to the imperial "Establishments...". To determine the role of Volyn Province Magistrate as an audit and appeal institution within the regional judicial system, it is necessary to analyze both the theoretical and practical aspects of its operations. 
 The methodology employed in this study incorporates general scientific (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and specialized historical (historical-genetic, historical-systemic, historical-typological, prosopographic) methods, along with the principles of historicism, systematicity, and scientificity. This methodology enabled a concentrated examination of the operation of one of the components of the state judicial system for citizens. The analysis and classification of archive documents required the application of critical evaluation and categorization methods. 
 The scientific novelty of the study lies in the author’s novel analysis of the operations of an institution distinct from the Rzeczpospolita model, which had already been in operation within the internal provinces of the empire, using archival materials. Inferences are also drawn concerning the place of this institution in the system of state court proceedings for citizens. It is proved that the main role in the work of the institution was played by non-local officials and clerks. The range of issues that were resolved in the magistrate is determined. 
 Conclusions. The imperial policy after the incorporation of the Right Bank was aimed at the complete subjugation of local elites and urban class representatives. This was achieved through establishment of administrative and judicial institutions as outlined in the "Establishments..." (1775). Burghers and merchants were endowed with an exclusive legal system. The Volyn Provincial Magistrate, which was composed of non-local officials and clerks, acted as an audit and appeal intermediary for the courts of first instance – city magistrates. The internal operation of the institution adhered to established conventional practices, which encompassed, among other things, officials undertaking business trips, instances of non-compliance with management directives, and errors in paperwork. Due to the succession of the monarchy, the estate court system, which had been structured in accordance with the "Establishments..." (1775), was eliminated.