The article examines the features of the judicial system and the exercise of judicial power in North Ossetia in different historical periods. It is argued that they are determined by a complex of specific reasons, among which the reasons of a spiritual-ideological, historical-political, legal and socio-psychological nature stand out. The main role of the Ossetian military intelligentsia in introducing their people to Russian, European culture, way of life, forms of government, including in the sphere of judicial power, is noted. The issues of organization and abolition of various judicial institutions in the 19th-20th centuries, their dependence on local characteristics and frequent transformations of administrative and judicial institutions in this period are considered. The activities related to the establishment of Soviet courts are covered. The new judicial system and the principle of formation of the judiciary in the post-Soviet period are revealed and criticized. The activities of the abolished constitutional (statutory) courts of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are assessed positively and convincingly. Proposals are being made for the organization of constitutional councils in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.