ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the importance of judicial reform to Russia's democratisation. It outlines the court system and examines what happens to an individual from arrest to imprisonment. The chapter introduces Russia's commitment to human rights and the role of the ombudsman. In the late 1980s and during the 1990s Russia made particular commitments to democratisation, the rule of law and the observation of human rights. The 1993 RF Constitution potentially marked a major departure from Russia's authoritarian past. Further legislation has been passed, including new Civil and Criminal Codes, and in speeches Vladimir Putin stresses the importance of judicial independence. Putin's belief in the importance of strengthening the state led to increased control over key judicial appointments and the courts. Telephone justice, bringing pressure to bear on judges, the courts and lawyers, the denial of the rights of suspects, and the physical and psychological abuse of those under arrest are all symptomatic of a disregard for the rule of law.
