Theoretical Aspects of the Basic Conditions for Liability: Restorative and Punitive Approaches under Russian Law

The concept of liability is a key one in jurisprudence. Its universal significance in civil law lies in the ability to monetize negative property results and impose financial consequences on the party involved. In criminal law, it is used to punish the offender. This paper analyzes fault as the most important element of the said legal institution and discusses the role of cause-and-effect relationship. The aim of this publication is to draw a sectoral comparison between important conditions of liability. The developing economic turnover in the Russian Federation requires to ensure the reproduction and multiplication of monetary values. The effectiveness of legal techniques, particularly in establishing fault, constitutes an initial condition for civil liability and cause-and-effect relationship between misconduct and an offence still determines the use of the full range of opportunities provided by law. In criminal law, the fault is a necessary basis for any criminal sanction, including a fine. The paper elucidates the concepts of fault and cause- and-effect relationship as a separate, stand-alone issues important for imposing criminal punishment, and showing the significant difference between these legal categories in civil and criminal law.