Judicary Reforms

Question 1

What was the judiciary system like before reforms

Answer 1

-law formerly in hands of judge
-no jury system, no lawyers, no examination of witnesses
-accused guilty until proven innocent + judges say final

Question 2

What was the new system modelled on the West?

Answer 2

-equality before law with single system of local, provincial + national courts
-accused presumed innocent until proven guilty + could employ lawyer for defence
-criminal cases before barrister + jury selected from property owners
-judges appointed by tsar + given improved pay
-local JPs elected every 3 years by zemstva
-courts open to public

Question 3

What were the advantages of the new system

Answer 3

-fairer + less corrupt
-new opportunity for articulate lawyers to criticise regime for more reform
-new juries acquitted guilty as sympathised with their plight

Question 4

What were the limitations of the new system?

Answer 4

-to counter acquitting of guilty new decree issues to permit political crimes tried by special courts
-trial by jury never established in poland + western provinces
-ecclesiastical (church court where justice in hands of priests) military courts excluded from reforms
-peasantry in Volos courts still treated differently to those in higher courts