The History of Liability for Sexual Services in Russia in the 18th – Early 20th Century: Materials from the State Archive of the Kursk Region

The article is devoted to the study of regional aspects fighting prostitution in 18th – early 20th century drawing on materials State Archive Kursk Region. time period has been chosen for ambivalence legislator regulating market sex services (swinging from prohibitions permission), as discussion legalization rekindled following certain legislative changes. In addition, there an increase scientific interest local history areas. basis several studies practices regulation sexual market. authors’ approach makes it possible reconstruct full picture developments state policy concerning industry specified historical period. This case-study region determines nature and analyzes application norms (in periods tolerance prostitution) or suppressing prohibition). drawn a implementation sphere at its level. Drawing Region reflecting regulations gubernia, authors have analyzed legislator’s law enforcement officer’s attitude prostitution. gubernia this was typical European part Russia during said period, practically no research issue. Main sources introducing liability are used methods generalization, systematization, analysis, chronological method, comparative research, etc. Its novelty determined by introduction new into use also complex approach. It concluded that, throughout their development, field expressed authorities availability: via administrative and/or criminal prohibition. During prohibition, positive dynamics can be observed, though number socio-political changes hindered effective industry.