The Preobrazhensky prikaz: the circumstances of its functioning in the times of the «police state» formation (1717-1724)

This essay is devoted to the historical implementation of the Preobrazhensky prikaz during the times of state reforms of Peter The Great, carried out at the end of 1710s - beginning of the 1720s. For the first time, the law about Preobrazhensky prikaz issued on 29th of April 1722 is analyzed, and the circumstances of the criminal persecution in 1723-1725 of the persons in charge of the prikaz apparatus, are highlighted. Particular attention is given to the review of an attempt to reorganize the Preobrazhensky prikaz in 1724.