Scientific Research Methods Research Articles

Decision-Making by the Defense Party in Ukrainian Criminal Justice: Balancing Needs and Capabilities

Objective: The purpose of the article is to highlight the features of the decision-making process by the defense party in Ukrainian criminal proceedings and to identify the main needs and capabilities of the subjects involved. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on contemporary scholarly perspectives in the fields of criminal law and procedure, forensic science, and legal psychology, the provisions of current legislation and statistical data. Method: To explore decision-making process by the defense party, this study will use a range of general and specialized scientific research methods including systemic analysis, formal-legal, comparative, generalization, and modeling. Results and Discussion: The authors argue that defense decisions in criminal proceedings are non-law-applying and significantly differ from the decisions of the prosecution or the court. The study demonstrates that defense decisions are structurally composed of the intended goal, the informational foundation, and the available alternative courses of action. The decision-makers on behalf of the defense include the defendant, the defense attorney, and the legal representative, each of whom possesses their own set of procedural needs and capabilities. It is emphasized that the most effective decisions are those made by the defendant in collaboration with defense attorney. Contributions: The significance of the research results lies in their potential to serve as a foundation for developing practice-oriented recommendations on optimizing defense strategy against criminal charges, and formulating recommendations to overcome unlawful resistance to pre-trial investigations and court proceedings by the defense side.

Public control of outer space: towards the formulation of the problem

This article is devoted to the analysis of issues related to the possibility of organizing and implementing public control (control of the civil society of the peoples of the United Nations) over the processes of exploration and use of outer space. The authors note that outer space is of exceptional value and importance for the processes of conservation and development of mankind, since: the exploration of outer space in the last decade has been carried out at a rapidly growing pace; modern telecommunications technologies are not possible without the use of outer space; outer space is the most important condition for ensuring the defense security of states; the danger of environmental pollution of near space by waste has increased. There are serious risks of additional militarization of outer space (up to the placement of weapons of mass destruction in it); the activities of private economic entities in outer space are poorly controlled by the international community and the civil society of the peoples of the United Nations. A number of scientific research methods are used in the work, in particular: formal-logical; comparative-legal; historical-legal; statistical; sociological; method of analyzing specific legal situations. The authors note that the organization and implementation of public control (control of the civil society of the peoples of the United Nations) over the processes of exploration and use of outer space are fraught with a number of problems: the UN Charter and international legislation do not directly fix the grounds and limits of the implementation of this control; the norms of international space law do not always detail the possibility of participation of civil society institutions in the control of the study and use of outer space; there is no certainty as to which subjects of public control (control of the civil society of the peoples of the United Nations) should organize and conduct its activities for the processes of exploration and use of outer space; these subjects are not endowed with a set of real powers that can ensure the legality of the above-mentioned processes; these subjects have a weak material and technical base; there is no mechanism for bringing to legal responsibility those responsible for countering the legitimate control activities of the above-mentioned entities.

Overcoming Challenges in Plant Biomechanics: Methodological Innovations and Technological Integration.

Plant biomechanics, an emerging interdisciplinary field, plays an irreplaceable role in revealing the structure-function relationships in plant life processes. This field integrates classical mechanical theories with modern biological methods, providing novel perspectives for plant phenotype research and offering significant theoretical guidance for crop breeding, cultivation management, and ecological protection. This review comprehensively examines existing research from three dimensions: research perspectives, methodologies, and content. Using maize lodging as a case study, key scientific questions, research methods, and modeling strategies are analyzed across scales from molecular to population levels. Furthermore, this paper identifies the main challenges in plant biomechanics research, particularly in methodology development, theoretical framework refinement, model simulation, and 3D modeling. Finally, innovative directions and application prospects are explored for integrating plant biomechanics with artificial intelligence technology, multi-scale modeling, genetic improvement, and biomimetics. These research advances will pave new paths for theoretical innovation and practical applications in plant biomechanics.

Science and Education in the System of National Priorities: Contemporary State, Form and Essence

The article examines some aspects of the current state of education and science in the Russian Federation. Specific examples show the existing contradictions in form and essence, on the one hand, theoretical conclusions, on the other hand, real achievements of state socio-economic policy. The position is argued that well and correctly formulated goals are not always supported by adequate mechanisms for their implementation. The question is raised about the historical mission of scientists, the essence of which is to analyze the contradictions in the development of the system (which corresponds to scientific research methods) and justify the mechanisms for resolving them. Based on the study of historical and statistical material, the thesis on the relevance of the problem of saving time and stimulating labor is argued. It is concluded that government spending on education and science is the basis of the country’s socio-economic development.

An evolutionary game theory analysis on the environmental impact of discharging Fukushima's nuclear wastewater: International stakeholders and strategic dynamics.

On August 24, 2023, Japan controversially decided to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, initiating intense domestic and global debates. This study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative evolutionary game theory and qualitative data analysis to explore the strategic dynamics among Japan, other nations, and the Japan Fisheries Association regarding this decision. The data includes international environmental reports and economic statistics, served as the basis for simulating decision-making processes under various legal, economic, and environmental pressures. The evolutionary game theory model is used to predict and analyze three evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS), detailing the transition from the initiation to cessation of wastewater discharge. These strategies highlight the necessity for international cooperation, rigorous scientific research, public education, and effective wastewater treatment methods. This study aims to provide both a theoretical framework and practical guidance to foster a global consensus on nuclear wastewater management, which is vital for marine conservation and sustainable development.

Means of forming political loyalty of the younger generation of Russian emigrants to the Japanese occupation authorities in the territory of Northeast China (Manchuria)

The article studies the peculiarities of the formation of political loyalty of the Russian younger generation of emigrants to the Japanese occupation authorities in Northeast China. The chronological scope of this study is defined as 1931–1945 and covers one of the most complex and controversial periods in the history of the Asia-Pacific region. Implementing a geostrategic program to conquer Asia in 1931, Japan occupied the northeastern part of China – Manchuria. In an effort to legitimize their rights and strengthen their influence in the annexed territory, the occupation authorities developed a non-standard, unique strategic program to build the population’s loyalty to the expansionist political regime. The new generation of Russian emigrants, being an effective and productive resource in terms of quality and quantity, capable of ensuring breakthrough development of an economically and industrially weak region in the shortest possible time, became an object of close attention for the representatives of the new government. Developed by the Japanese and implemented at the individual, institutional, and state levels, the system of legal, political, organizational, and ideological means of influencing the younger generation of Russian emigrants was aimed at forming a new generation of citizens of Manchukuo, loyal to the Japanese political regime and voluntarily implementing the pan-Asian program. The material for this research was the documents preserved in the emigrant funds of the State Archives of the Khabarovsk Territory: personal files of Russian emigrants, including correspondence with major figures of the Russian emigration during the period under study, materials from intelligence agencies, orders, instructions and reports, correspondence of officials and individuals responsible for the Japanese military mission; periodicals for children and youth published by Russians in China in the early to mid-20th century, which are currently a bibliographic rarity. The methodological basis of the work was made up of modern scientific approaches, principles, and research methods: historical-cultural, sociocultural, systemic-historical, cultural, comparative approach, nomothetic (generalizing) principle of research, methods of comparative-historical, synchronic, structural-typological, descriptive, biographical, and systemic analysis.

On methods of setting the coordinates of the mouse pointer in the case of alternative options for constructing human-computer interaction

Objective. The aim of the study is to compare and generalize different methods of contactless setting of computer mouse pointer coordinates. Method. To create a contactless human-machine interface, computer vision technologies are used to select a control point on a video camera frame, with the help of which the computer cursor is moved on the user's monitor. General logical methods of scientific research, namely, generalization, are used. An analysis of the considered cursor coordinate control systems is carried out with the allocation of common parts for further generalization and description of formulas for setting the coordinates of the computer mouse cursor. Scientific works with absolute positioning of the computer cursor and works with control of the cursor position shift relative to its coordinates on the previous frame were taken for analysis. Result. As a result of the analysis, strengths and weaknesses of each of the approaches under consideration were indicated. Absolute positioning requires less time to set the cursor to the desired position. It is determined that cursor shift control is not so demanding on the accuracy of calculating the coordinates of the control point. Formulas are given that generalize the methods of moving the computer cursor. Conclusion. The proposed approach to calculating new coordinates of the mouse pointer allows implementing both presented approaches to positioning the computer cursor in the software system, since each of them has advantages depending on the specific situation.

Formal grounds of jurisdiction in administrative proceedings

The article, based on current legislation, examines the formal grounds of jurisdiction in administrative proceedings. The object of the study is the set of administrative procedural legal relations that arise in relation to the competent court. The subject is the regularities of the emergence and development of administrative procedural legal relations regarding the jurisdiction of a legal case, which is caused by a dispute in the field of public administration. The methodology of the article is built on the basis of objectivity and systematicity of scientific analysis, which are based on general scientific and private scientific methods of cognition: dialectical, historical, formal-logical, comparative-legal, structural-systemic and other methods of scientific research. The incompleteness and inconsistency of legal norms regulating one of the conditions for the implementation of the right to judicial protection - the issue of jurisdiction, practically create obstacles to the application of legal means of implementing this right. It is noted that the effectiveness of the functioning of the judicial system depends on the constructive resolution of controversial issues of jurisdiction at the legislative level, since the algorithm for determining the competent court is directly related to the balanced distribution of the burden on the judicial authorities and the implementation of the principle of accessibility of justice. Spheres of action of the institution of jurisdiction in administrative proceedings: vector, subject, territorial. Different subject jurisdiction of cases should assume a different procedure for consideration, since an error in jurisdiction actually entails the error of the entire procedural form. The concept of civil jurisdiction is determined not only around cases assigned by law to consideration in the first instance of a particular court, but by the scope of the rights and obligations of a particular court to consider and resolve the case, as well as the obligation of the parties to submit to the activities of the court that accepted the case for its proceedings. Otherwise, its content regarding jurisdiction cannot be fully disclosed. An essential feature of jurisdiction is the delimitation of competence between courts of first instance regarding the consideration and resolution of a specific administrative case.

Global research progress and trends in traditional Chinese medicine for chronic kidney disease since the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis.

This study analyzed literature on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) to identify research trends and provide guidance for future studies and clinical practice. The study used data from Web of Science from 2000 to 2024 to analyze English-language literature on CKD and TCM. Bibliometric analysis was done using R software and the bibliometric package, with scientific mapping and visualization analysis conducted using tools like Citespace, VOSviewer, and ScimagoGraphica to explore research trends and connections. This study revealed that a total of 1,153 relevant documents were retrieved, and the number of published articles showed an increasing trend, reaching a peak in 2022. In terms of article publication, China ranked first with 760 articles, closely followed by the United States with 132 articles. Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine published 60 papers, the most among academic institutions, followed by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with 54 papers. In terms of individual authors, Liu Xinhui holds the record for the highest number of published articles, totaling 17, followed by Li Ping and Li Shunmin. The prevalent keywords include "chronic kidney disease," "TCM," and "oxidative stress." Currently, the prominent areas of research interest include network pharmacology, gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and related topics. The current research trend in this field is towards the adoption of novel methodologies such as network pharmacology and the emphasis on exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and CKD. Global research on TCM in the treatment of CKD is showing a positive development trend, but further research on safety, efficacy evaluation, and international cooperation is still needed. The development trend is to adopt new scientific research methods and focus on exploring the mechanism of TCM in treating CKD.

Evaluating the Accessibility of Urban Public Open Spaces Based on an Improved 2SFCA Model: A Case Study Within Chengdu’s Second Ring Road

The rational allocation of urban public open spaces (UPOS) is critical for creating a livable urban environment. Traditional Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) models often lack sufficient quantitative analysis regarding the supply of urban public service facilities and population demand. This study, taking the area within Chengdu’s Second Ring Road as an example, proposes a 2SFCA model that integrates both supply and demand improvements to evaluate UPOS accessibility. The accessibility results are further analyzed using hotspot analysis, and blind zone detection. In terms of supply improvements, the model incorporates additional indicators beyond the spatial area of UPOS, including service quality and the diversity of surrounding environmental service functions, to better evaluate the overall attractiveness of UPOS to residents. On the demand side, besides population size, the model incorporates the spatial distribution of residents and differences in social characteristics affecting UPOS demand. Results indicate that the improved 2SFCA model, which considers both the attractiveness of UPOS and residents’ demand, significantly enhances the accuracy of accessibility assessments. There are substantial differences in service quality among UPOS, while the diversity of surrounding environmental service functions remains generally high. UPOS demand follows a “high in the northeast—low in the southwest” spatial pattern. The spatial distribution of UPOS accessibility shows a “high in the west—low in the east” pattern, opposite to the demand distribution, indicating a supply–demand mismatch. UPOS accessibility identifies one hotspot cluster and four cold spot clusters, with large areas showing no significant characteristics. Additionally, 10.58% of the study area remains blind zones, requiring urgent attention. This study offers a more scientific method and framework for research on the spatial layout and supply–demand matching of UPOS.

СУЧАСНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ БУДІВЕЛЬНОЇ ГАЛУЗІ УКРАЇНИ: МІЖНАРОДНА ПРАКТИКА

Introduction. In the current context of globalization and integration of the Ukrainian economy into the global space, the innovative development of the construction industry is of particular importance. The development of innovative solutions in construction is becoming a critical factor in increasing the competitiveness of the industry and analyzing advanced innovative technologies used in international practice and the possibilities of their adaptation to Ukrainian realities. The purpose of the article. The purpose of the article is to search for modern trends used in international practice related to the innovative development of the construction industry in Ukraine. Methods. The study of modern trends in the innovative development of the construction industry of Ukraine involves the use of scientific research methods that provide a systematic approach to analyzing the experience of developed countries, which allows obtaining objective results that contribute to the formation of recommendations for the implementation of innovations in Ukraine. Results. The article substantiates that the construction industry of Ukraine is one of the key sectors for economic development and, in the context of globalization and constant economic changes, it needs to be adapted to new realities. It is proved that one of the main factors of sustainable development of the construction industry is the introduction of modern innovations. The successful experience of developed countries in the field of construction is considered, which demonstrates that an innovative approach to the construction process is important for increasing competitiveness, developing infrastructure and improving environmental performance. Such successful experience is determined by the use of innovative technologies, sustainable construction practices, efficient resource management and attraction of international investments. The article provides several examples of successful experience in the field of construction in different countries. Leaders in the development of sustainable construction and energy-efficient technologies, in the use of renewable energy sources for construction, in the application of advanced technologies for the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, in the creation of a sustainable urban environment through the use of vertical construction and in the integration of various engineering systems in cities are identified. The article determines that for Ukraine, which is undergoing an intensive economic transformation, the issue of introducing international innovations is extremely relevant. The factors that confirm the importance of introducing international innovations into the construction industry of Ukraine are identified. It is substantiated that they are due to the current situation in the country, its economic and social transformations, as well as the challenges facing the national construction sector. Conclusions are drawn that require a focus on the use of energy efficient technologies, smart buildings, sustainable materials, and the integration of digital technologies, which will significantly increase the efficiency of construction processes, reduce costs, and help preserve natural resources. Leveraging international experience in construction will also help Ukraine not only modernize its sector but also become competitive in the global construction services and investment market. Conclusiоns. The unstable economic situation, the consequences of military actions and global environmental challenges create a unique environment in which innovations become not only desirable but necessary, especially in the construction industry.

Studying the economic systems with hybrid intelligence based on the theory of utility

Subject. The article addresses characteristic trends in the evolution of socio-economic systems, taking into account scientific, technical, and technological progress. Objectives. The study aims to unveil the economic essence of intellectualization of socio-economic systems based on the analysis of utility function of artificial intelligence and limits of organization’s technological potential. Methods. We employed general scientific and special research methods, like analysis, generalization, economic and mathematical modeling, etc. Results. The paper presents a new approach to solving the problems of intellectualization of technological platforms of the economy, based on the theory of utility, defines approaches to the economic analysis of artificial intelligence technologies, formulates the hypothesis of dependence of the evolution of economic system’s intellectual transformation on coherence and balance of factors of innovative, institutional, and political development (the hypothesis of reversibility). Conclusions. The study defines the paradigm of intellectualization of technological platforms as a basic, integrative one, for the development of technological potential of the economy in modern conditions and in a strategic perspective.

실제 맥락에서의 학습전이에 관한 민속방법론적 연구: 미디어 리터러시 수업 사례 분석

Objectives This study aims to understand learning experiences in real contexts as a core learning science inquiry topic regarding embodiment and transfer in learning. Methods This study relied on ethnomethodology (EM) as a learning science research method on learning experiences in real contexts. EM opened up the possibility of systematic observation and analysis of embodied experiences and situated learning through qualitative analysis of the composition of real-time situational contexts created by the interaction between agents and practical reasoning and behavior, thereby providing an important research methodology for learning science. EM played an important role in exploring how learners’ internal understanding of concepts they encounter is expressed and changed in the process of embodiment, that is, interaction. The subject of analysis in this study was a 16-hour media literacy class conducted at the graduate school of H University. Results First, transfer in learning has a dynamic characteristic that continuously appears throughout the learning process. Second, transfer appears in the process of interacting with various factors and recognizing situations to utilize knowledge. Third, transfer is not simply applying knowledge, but is achieved through the process of reconstructing and deeply understanding knowledge in various situations. Conclusions Transfer in learning is created in the process of integrating knowledge through continuous interaction between participants. In other words, transfer is created in the process of the flow of situational context, which is the interaction with various factors experienced to utilize knowledge. The teaching strategy that promotes transfer can be viewed as a role that maximizes the room for learners to choose their own judgment and actions by opening a space for participation where they can use all the resources that they can take in their own context, including the knowledge. In future research on the design of learning experiences, it is necessary to pay attention to the dynamic conditions and settings of the flow of micro-contexts created by the situational inference and actions revealed by the interaction between agents, which are important key points of learning design.

Methodological approaches to exploring the resilience of the regional economic system as a basis for sustainable development management in modern realities

Subject. The article addresses features of the regional economic system functioning in conditions of instability. Objectives. The purpose is to develop organizational and economic mechanism for managing the sustainable development of the region. Methods. We employed general scientific research methods. Results. We propose a three-dimensional model of sustainable development management of the region, which considers natural, industrial, financial, demographic factors affecting the economic system, economic development strategies, and the legislative framework. Conclusions. Practical application of our own developments in the assessment of stability of the regional economic system will ensure the sustainability of the country's economy as a whole.

Analyzing regional demographic threats in the context of economic security

Subject. This article discusses the impact of demographic factors on the economic security of Russia and its regions. Objectives. The article aims to compare federal districts of Russia by nature of demographic threats. Methods. For the study, we used the general scientific research methods. Results. The article finds that low fertility and population aging are the most serious demographic threats in almost all federal districts, and it describes the most significant differences between the Russian federal districts in various parameters. Conclusions. To overcome demographic imbalances and strengthen Russia's economic security, a set of differentiated measures of State policy is needed at the federal and regional levels.

Localization of production under high foreign economic risks

Subject. This article discusses the issues of ensuring economic security. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the ratio of efficiency and safety in the conditions of localization of production. Methods. For the study, I used the general scientific research methods. Results. The article differentiates supply chains restructuring both by industry and country. It finds that production gets localized under the influence of increased volatility of the economic environment and due to the development of technologies. Conclusions. When analyzing the localization of production, it is necessary to take into account its long-term impact on the development of the economy and its future competitiveness.

Studying the relationship between energy footprint and economic development based on the net primary productivity model: Evidence from China and Russia

Subject. The article addresses energy consumption of China and Russia from 2000 to 2021. Objectives. The purpose of the study is to investigate the energy footprint intensity and the environmental pressure of energy footprint of China and Russia, to conduct a comparative analysis of relationship between energy footprint and economic development. Methods. The study draws on general scientific research methods. Results. China's energy footprint is about seven times higher than Russia's one, and the difference is increasing every year. The structure of energy consumption in Russia is better than in China. The energy footprint intensity of China and Russia demonstrate a downward trend from year to year. Environmental pressure on China's energy footprint is increasing every year. Russia experiences less environmental stress and is in good environmental condition. Conclusions. According to the gray forecasting model, China's energy footprint will show a linear growth trend from 2022 to 2030, and the environmental pressure of the energy footprint will continue to grow. Being the world's largest consumer (China) and producer (Russia) of oil and gas, their cooperation can bring mutual benefits and win-win results.

Conceptual provisions on improving the quality of customs services based on enhancing the business processes of end-to-end customs control over imported goods under digital traceability

Subject. The article discusses the development of management decision-making systems, optimization of activities of customs authorities. Objectives. The aim is to devise a system of requirements for business processes implementation in the customs control given the introduction of digital technologies. Methods. The study draws on general scientific research methods. Results. Customs services should be provided to a specific consumer in a timely manner and mainly in electronic form, and comprehensive information about the result recorded in the information system of the unified departmental digital platform, should be available to interested parties. Conclusions. Actions are needed to coordinate and develop digital traceability systems at the supranational, national (interdepartmental), intradepartmental levels, to expand the range of goods subject to traceability.

PROMOTING ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH MUSEUM EDUCATION IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN TRAINING

The paper represents a theoretical-practical study that highlights the role and necessity of museum education in the initial training of architecture and design students from the perspective of promoting national architectural heritage. The article presents basic concepts, as well as some researchers' views on architectural heritage and museum education for architecture and design students in formal and non-formal contexts, which can be integrated in various educational levels, relating to the five general contents of education. Likewise, concrete educational actions involving students in researching, restoring, valorizing, and promoting national architectural heritage are described through the example reflected in the Restoration Concept Project of Balioz Manor. This project implies an in-depth investigation of the issue and includes a set of scientific research methods (documentation, analysis of scientific sources, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT analysis) of urban areas, SWOT analysis of architectural ensembles, photography, surveys, case studies, comparison, and interpretation of results) that led to the achievement of pre-established objectives. In conclusion, focusing on students in the context of the initial training of architecture and design students by involving them in projects for revitalization, renovation, conservation, etc., of architectural heritage contributes to enhancing the performance of future specialists in their professional activities.

Legal Analysis and Practical Proposals for Application of the Law on Inheritance by Contract

Introduction. For our country, the modern era is characterised by the rapid development and sophistication of the social relationships, especially in the field of economics and private property preservation as the basis for enhancing market relations. Over the past few years, new institutions and norms have been formed within the civil law of the Russian Federation, which officially stipulated the relationships already existing among the subjects. The most atypical innovation for the Russian legislation was integration of the new rules of inheritance based on the contractual relationships (Article 1140.1) into the Civil Code of the Russian Federation in 2019. Unfortunately, this institution has not become widely used in practice, probably due to the rather incorrect regulation of the rights and obligations of the parties to this legal relationship and their unequal position in obtaining the final result. Significant difficulties arise when using this norm in the context of inheritance of the agricultural lands, residential premises, joint property, etc. The study of the institution of inheritance by contract is highly relevant due to the fact that this norm has a potential to become a fairly strong basis for the formation of equal relationships of the parties in terms of the redistribution of property, but, taking into account the imperfection of legal regulation, it requires the detailed elaboration for its implementation into the objective reality. The aim of the research is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this institution and develop the practical proposals for improving the legislation on inheritance contracts.Materials and Methods. The following methods have been used in the research: the general scientific method of theoretical research, comparative analysis, formal-logical approach to the analysis of the legislation regulating the application of the contractual relationships in the frame of property inheritance. A review of the data on law enforcement and judicial practice in the research area has been provided.Results. The paper identifies the problems of efficient application of the norms of inheritance by contract to the certain types of property, suggests the ways to improve the legislative norms that determine the legal status of counterparties, as well as the content of their powers. A number of proposals for adjusting the acting norms of inheritance by contract have been formulated. In particular, the authors propose to add a separate chapter referring to the inheritance by contract to the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and include in it the norms, which ensure the possibility of preserving property that is the subject of the contract until the moment of contract coming into effect and which regulate the rules of inheriting the residential premises and agricultural lands in accordance with the same procedure. Within the research, it has been also proposed to legislatively stipulate the legal status of nasciturus and children conceived after the death of the testator by means of medical technologies (IVF, embryo cryopreservation, surrogacy, etc.), and the procedure of inheriting property by the spouses upon conclusion of the inheritance contract.Discussion and Conclusion. The conducted research allowed the authors to identify the existing inaccuracies in the legislative regulation of the inheritance by contract and to determine further directions for studying and adjusting the theoretical and practical aspects of this institution. With respect to the foreign country examples of rule-making in the studied subject area, the trends in the formation of such rules of inheritance by contract were determined that would allow this rarely used practice an opportunity to become an acting procedure that contributes to strengthening the legal order in the frame of legal relationships on inheritance.