Supreme Court of Russia
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation traces its institutional lineage directly to the Supreme Court of the Soviet Union. This predecessor served as the highest judicial body during the existence of the USSR before the dissolution of that state in 1991. The current court assumed its role as the final arbiter for administrative, civil, criminal, and commercial law cases following this transition. It now supervises the work of lower courts across the entire nation. The Federal Law "On the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation" formally established these powers under Article 22.
There are 115 members serving on the Supreme Court today. These judges organize themselves into specialized panels to handle different types of legal matters. A Judicial Panel for Civil Affairs exists alongside a Judicial Panel for Criminal Affairs. A separate Military Panel deals with military-related cases when they arise. Appeals against decisions made by these initial panels go to a Cassation Panel. Further appeals move up to the Presidium of the Supreme Court for final review.
Supreme Court judges are nominated directly by the President of Russia. The Federation Council then votes to appoint these nominees to their positions. To qualify as a judge, an individual must be a citizen of Russia. They must be at least 35 years old upon appointment. Legal education is mandatory for all candidates seeking this office. Furthermore, every candidate requires at least 10 years of professional service before eligibility.
Plenary sessions occur at least once every four months within the court. All judges of the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General of Russia attend these gatherings. During these meetings, the court studies judicial decisions from lower courts on various topics. Resolutions adopted here establish recommendations for interpreting specific provisions of law. Russian law does not recognize judicial precedent as a formal source of law. Courts strictly follow these recommendations issued during plenary sessions regardless.
Article 22 of the Federal Law mandates that the permanent residence of the Supreme Court is Saint Petersburg. This provision only comes into force when the court begins functioning in that city. Until that date arrives, the court exercises its powers in the city of Moscow. The President of the Russian Federation determines exactly when the move takes place. The transition follows procedures outlined in the Supreme Court's own regulations regarding location changes.
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Common questions
What is the institutional lineage of the Supreme Court of Russia?
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation traces its institutional lineage directly to the Supreme Court of the Soviet Union. This predecessor served as the highest judicial body during the existence of the USSR before the dissolution of that state in 1991.
Where is the permanent residence of the Supreme Court of Russia located according to Article 22?
Article 22 of the Federal Law mandates that the permanent residence of the Supreme Court is Saint Petersburg. Until that date arrives, the court exercises its powers in the city of Moscow.
How many members serve on the Supreme Court of Russia today and what are their qualifications?
There are 115 members serving on the Supreme Court today who must be citizens of Russia at least 35 years old upon appointment. They require legal education and at least 10 years of professional service before eligibility for nomination by the President of Russia.
Which specific acts does the Supreme Court of Russia review under original jurisdiction?
This high court holds original jurisdiction over challenges against federal acts including decrees issued by the President of Russia and the Government of Russia. It also handles challenges regarding delegated legislation from governmental agencies and disputes involving the Central Electoral Commission.
Who appoints judges to the Supreme Court of Russia and how often do plenary sessions occur?
Supreme Court judges are nominated directly by the President of Russia and appointed after a vote by the Federation Council. Plenary sessions occur at least once every four months within the court where all judges and the Prosecutor General of Russia attend.