Conservatism and liberalism as paradigms of development in relation to judicial power in the Russian empire of the XIX century

The authors reveal the issues of legal policy in relation to justice in general and in relation to the supreme justice in Russia in the XIX century. The theoretical views of Russian and foreign politicians and lawyers of both liberal and protective directions on the institution in question were examined. Throughout the XIX century, the policy regarding justice changed repeatedly, which affected both the regulatory framework of judicial activity and practical activity. At the same time, state policy and practice did not always coincide. Theoretical and practical conservatism should be recognized, as well as theoretical and practical liberalism. The first aspect is a set of views, a direction in political and legal thought, and the second aspect is the daily practice implemented in the activities of public authorities.