Russia · Overview
The legal system of Russia
A federal civil-law system codified in the four parts of the Civil Code (1994–2006), with a 1996 Criminal Code and 2001 procedure codes. The 2020 constitutional amendments asserted the primacy of the Constitution over international decisions, and Russia ceased to be a party to the ECHR in September 2022 after expulsion from the Council of Europe.
Legal tradition
Russia belongs to the civil law tradition. A federal civil-law system codified in the four parts of the Civil Code (1994–2006), with a 1996 Criminal Code and 2001 procedure codes. The 2020 constitutional amendments asserted the primacy of the Constitution over international decisions, and Russia ceased to be a party to the ECHR in September 2022 after expulsion from the Council of Europe.
How power is divided
Federal and semi-presidential: the President is a distinct branch-transcending office with wide appointment and decree powers, and since 2020 may initiate the removal of senior judges through the Federation Council.
Where law comes from
- Constitution
- Supreme law; since 2020 expressly prevails over contrary international decisions.
- Federal constitutional laws
- Adopted by three-quarters and two-thirds majorities; rank above ordinary federal law.
- Federal laws and codes
- Civil Code in four parts, Criminal Code 1996, Tax Code, Labour Code 2001.
- Presidential decrees (ukazy)
- Binding throughout the Federation where consistent with law.
- Regional legislation
- Enacted by the 80-plus federal subjects within their competence.
- Supreme Court plenum rulings
- Guidance clarifying the application of law for all courts.
The legal profession
Advocates (адвокаты) are admitted by regional chambers under the Federal Chamber of Advocates and hold the exclusive right to defend in criminal cases; other litigation may be conducted by non-advocate representatives.
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