Review of scientific and pedagogical activity and contribution of the Russian scientist M. N. Gernet to the development of criminal legal sciences and criminology

Introduction. This scientific study provides a brief overview of the creative path of the great Russian and Soviet scientist, Professor of Lomonosov Moscow State University – Mikhail Nikolaevich Gernet. Based on the analysis of scientific works written during the Soviet period of M. N. Gernet’s life and activity, the author outlined his personal point of view on his role in the evolving of a number of legal branches, as well as in the development of Russian legal science. This research will enable young Russian scholars and practitioners, as well as specialists interested in studying the origins of Russian law, to gain better and more thorough understanding of the content of legal phenomena, events, as well as legislative processes unfolding at the present time. Methods. The methodological basis of this study was formed by private-scientific methods, primarily content analysis of documents and legal methods, as well as general scientific methods, including historical, system analysis, generalisation, modelling and others. Results. In the course of this research project, it was possible to convincingly prove that that M. N. Gernet made a significant contribution to the development of criminology within legal science. His profound, fundamental, and advanced scientific research, both theoretical and practical, not only advanced the field for his time but also had a lasting impact on the field. Today, criminology is a sub-branch of criminal law, and its influence on Russian criminal legal theory is substantial. In addition, the author concludes that in the scientific works written by M. N. Gernet, most of the author’s points of view are based solely on humanistic approaches. Even when considering issues related to criminal punishment, the author endeavoured to expand the use of the parole system. Most of Professor M. N. Gernet’s scientific ideas are imbued with the principles of justice. Throughout his life, he sought to bridge the gap between theoretical scientific concepts and practical applications.