The concept and purpose of punishment in Russian medieval law

The paper considers the evolution of purpose criminal punishment in sources Russian medieval law with regard to subjective guilt a law-violator. For long time, essence was expressed not so much application sanctions an offender for violating norm behavior (a custom) by latter, but restoring violated order (the truth) and satisfying victim’s resentment causing physical suffering offender, or compensate offense recovering property offender. restoration justice, which understood as equivalent retribution evil committed, offense, general order. Such understanding idea inseparable from law, has historically become core legal consciousness. author used methods historical-legal comparative-legal analysis study activities legislator limit use retaliation (revenge) victims against carried out privately without state power participation. concludes that late period, during formation Muscovite XIV–XV centuries, becomes compensatory remedy representing private, public (state class) interest. Punishment hands (punishment) formally on behalf whole society, but, fact, ruling class. begins pay attention internal (subjective) attitude person committed its consequences when sentencing.