Creation of Production-Comrades’ courts in the RSFSR in the late 1920s — early 1930s

Abstract

The article discusses the practical implementation of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Inspectorate’s proposal to set up community courts at factories. The reasons that led to this proposal and the discussions it provoked are described. The ideological motives (expressed by the authors of the proposal, as well as in general in the Soviet management circles) for involving the public in the administration of justice are also described. The process of establishing community courts at factories is divided into several stages, each with its own characteristics. At first, the community courts were established as an experiment, so their jurisdiction was very limited and the list of enterprises where they could be set up was agreed by the central authorities. However, later on, as this form of justice proved to be effective and was highly appreciated by the workers themselves, the community courts began to be established throughout the RSFSR, and their competence was extended. In the process, the basic purpose of the community courts was also changed. This change, among other factors, predetermined the success of this initiative and the long existence of the Comrades' courts.

References

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