Judiciary reforms Flashcards
How was guilt determined before Alexander II’s judiciary reforms?
The accused were considered guilty unless the judge proved them innocent.
What major change did Alexander II introduce to the legal system?
The presumption of innocence—people were innocent until proven guilty and could hire a lawyer.
How was the new judiciary system modeled?
It was based on Western legal systems, with barristers and juries selected from property owners.
How did Alexander II improve the role of judges?
Judges were appointed by the Tsar, received better training and pay, making them more professional.
What transparency measures were introduced in the judiciary reforms?
Public trials were introduced, and national trials were reported in newspapers.
Why did public trials become a problem for the government?
The public flocked to courts, and articulate lawyers criticized the regime, undermining autocracy.
What was the significance of Vera Zasulich’s trial in the 1870s?
Despite attempting to assassinate St. Petersburg’s governor, she was acquitted, showing jury opposition to autocracy.
How did judiciary reforms impact the long-term political landscape?
They created generations of lawyers, who later became critics of the regime, joining liberal and revolutionary groups.
How did the judiciary reforms connect to Lenin’s background?
Lenin trained as a lawyer, illustrating how the reforms inadvertently helped future revolutionaries.
