The Unsung Heros of the Russian Judicial System: The Justice-of-the-Peace Courts

Journal of Eurasian Law, Volume 5, No. 337 (2012)

Univ. of Wisconsin Legal Studies Research Paper No. 1216

31 Pages Posted: 29 Dec 2012 Last revised: 22 Jan 2014

See all articles by Kathryn Hendley

Kathryn Hendley

University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School; University of Wisconsin - Madison - Department of Political Science

Date Written: December 28, 2012

Abstract

Over the past few decade, Russians have been using the courts in ever greater numbers. In an effort to cope with the avalanche of cases, policy makers introduced a new layer of courts 'the justice-of-the-peace courts' (JP courts). These courts handle simple cases of all stripes. By 2011, after only a decade of existence, they dealt with 75 percent of all civil cases, 95 percent of all administrative cases and almost half of all criminal cases. Despite their critical role within the Russian judicial system, we know little about how they work. This article begins to fill that gap. Relying on unpublished caseload data and fieldwork in Russia from 2010-12, the author analyzes the docket of the JP courts, highlighting regional variations in workload and the use of a variety of procedural tools to accelerate the process. The article reveals that private plaintiffs have a better track record than the state, belying the common wisdom of the omniscient Russian state.

Keywords: Courts, Judicial Behavior, Plea Bargaining, Russia, Transition

JEL Classification: K41, O17, P37

Suggested Citation

Hendley, Kathryn, The Unsung Heros of the Russian Judicial System: The Justice-of-the-Peace Courts (December 28, 2012). Journal of Eurasian Law, Volume 5, No. 337 (2012), Univ. of Wisconsin Legal Studies Research Paper No. 1216, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2194453

Kathryn Hendley (Contact Author)

University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School ( email )

975 Bascom Mall
Madison, WI 53706
United States
301-405-3476 (Phone)
301-405-3542 (Fax)

University of Wisconsin - Madison - Department of Political Science ( email )

1050 Bascom Mall
Madison, WI 53706
United States

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