The responsibility of the “skoptsy” according to the code of criminal and correctional punishments 1845

The Skoptsy are a sect that appeared in the Russian Empire in the second half of the eighteenth century, the doctrine of which, as the name tells, is associated with the idea of oskoplenie (castration). This article deals with different issues related to the responsibility of the followers of this “skopchesky” doctrine in accordance with the articles of the Code of criminal and correctional punishments 1845, which was second part “On heresies and schisms” of Chapter II (“On the departure from the faith and the Church regulations”) of Section II “On crimes against religion and the violation of regulations which defend it”. It should be noted that it is first and foremost about the original wording of the Code of 1845. Among other things, it takes into account that Skoptsy are simultaneously attributed to particularly harmful and to bigoted sects. Apart from the regulations reflected in this law, the article deals with propositions of some other documents, which are necessary for a more complete coverage of the studied issue. Also, attention is paid to the interpretation of these regulations and their application. In particular, materials relating to the court trial of so-called the Kudrins’ case are used. In the article the features of the skoptsy’s doctrine are noted, which allow to characterize the activities of this religious association as dangers for personality, society and state.