Purpose as a Criterion of Faunistic Law Autonomous Status: A Theoretical Aspect

Introduction . Solving the problems of wild animals and their habitat protection requires having the efficiently functioning legal science and practices. However, in the Russian legal system, the place of the faunistic law within the legal framework is insufficiently studied. The problem of determining the differentiation criteria for the branches of law remains disputable. Thus, the fundamental directions of the state and legal policy on protection and rational use of the objects of animal world and their natural habitat have not been fully developed in the existing scientific papers. The present research aims to analyse a purpose as one of the criteria entitling the faunistic law to be considered as an independent area of law. Materials and Methods . A number of scientific methods and techniques that enabled a more in-depth study of the interdisciplinary relationships between the administrative law, environmental law and theory of law were used to conduct the present research. The analysis of the subject of the research was based on the formally-logical and comparative methods of cognition. Results . In the frame of the present research, the fundamental purpose of the faunistic law was established as regulation of the relationships in the field of protection and sustainable use of the objects of animal world, as well as preservation of biological diversity. This purpose is a basic attribute that justifies the autonomy of the respective branch of law. During the analysis, the specific features defining the faunistic law targets and effecting both the state and social interests in the frame of using the natural resources, have been identified and comprehensively studied. Discussion and Conclusion . Studying the purposes of the faunistic law has both theoretical and important practical value. To meet these purposes, it is necessary to have the efficient legal tools and create appropriate conditions for their practical implementation. The proposals and recommendations formulated by the author represent a forward-looking theoretical basis applicable for further scientific research in this area.