Circulars of the general prison administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs as a source for the history of the Russian penal system during the post-reform modernization period (1879-1885)

The General Prison Administration circulars issued in 1879-1885 are analyzed in the article. Circular classification is presented. The conclusion about appreciated value of the General Prison Administration circulars as a historical source on the penal system development in post-reform Russia is made.