THE DIFFICULT FATE OF THE «SOCIAL CULTURE LAW» IN THE LEGAL DOCTRINE AND SYSTEM OF LAW: FROM THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE TO THE USSR

In the course of historical development new types of social relations may emerge in society, requiring legal regulation. These new legal frameworks require integration into the existing legal system. This process is only possible if a theoretical study of the issue is conducted. The «social culture law» provides a vivid example of such integration. It helps to derive necessary theoretical propositions. The paper provides a brief overview of the situation in the cultural sphere of the Russian Empire in the late XIX – early XX century, the fundamental changes introduced by the Bolshevik government are described. The main stages of discussion on the role of the «social culture law» within the socialist legal system are outlined. Based on the results obtained, a number of relevant general conclusions can be drawn (regarding the logic of discussion, the significance of legal science, etc.).