Author

Alexandrov I.A.

Title of article

TO THE QUESTION OF THE LEGAL POLICY OF THE RUSSIAN
EMPIRE REGARDING THE SKOPTSY SECT IN THE SECOND HALFOF THE XIX – THE BEGINNING OF THE XX CENTURIES

Section

Section 6. Law enforcement policy

Issue, year

2 (44) 2018

Abstract

This article deals with various issues related to the responsibility of the followers of the skoptsy (eunuchs) doctrine in accordance with the articles of the code of criminal and correctional
Punishments of 1845, as well as the criminal code of 1903. Among other things, the fact that the skoptsy are simultaneously referred to both particularly harmful and bigoted sects, is taken into account.
Apart from the regulations reflected in these acts, a number of the provisions of other normative documents necessary for a more complete coverage of the studied issue are considered. The attention
of the author is paid to the interpretation of these regulations and the practice of their application. The characteristic features of the skoptsy sect’s doctrine, allowing to characterize the activities of this
religious association as dangerous for the individual, society and the state, are noted. Thus, some issues related to the emasculation (castration) of the followers of this doctrine are considered. A very detailed study of these issues is explained by the important role they played for the correct qualification of the
relevant criminal acts. Besides, the fact of emasculation (castration) served as one of the basic proofsof person being a member of the sect of skoptsy.

Keywords

skoptsy; bigoted sect; particularly harmful heresy; code of criminal and correctional Punishments of 1845; criminal code of 1903; Russian Empire; legal policy.

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