The doctrine of the legal process and its types (general theoretical analysis)

Relevance. This article provides an overview of scientific approaches to the definition of the legal process in general and the constituent process in particular. Attention is drawn to the fact that, despite the solid scientific background, the problems of establishing the essential and substantive characteristics of the legal process, as well as the definition of its concept, have not yet been resolved; the discussion on these issues continues. The purpose is to form a holistic scientific understanding of the legal process. Objectives: to analyze approaches to the definition of a legal process; to identify its features; to define the concept and consider the grounds for classifying a legal process. Methodology. A system-activity approach was applied to the definition of the concept and essence of the legal process, which made it possible to reveal it as a complex dynamic functionally active phenomenon consisting of interacting elements, integrating them with appropriate goals, means and results in correlation with effectiveness. Results. It is proposed to distinguish between jurisdictional processes related exclusively to legal proceedings and other, positive, but also legal processes that mediate legal activity in all its varieties. The classification of the legal process is substantiated, which is based on the subject-functional feature and the orientation of the non-regulatory impact of a particular sphere of public relations. According to this criterion, the constituent legal process, law-making and law enforcement are distinguished. Conclusion. The conducted research makes it possible to define the legal process as a specific legal education as part of the normatively established, procedural, and professional activities of authorized subjects aimed at the successful implementation of the goals of legal activity in order to obtain a socially significant result that meets the needs and interests of the individual, society, and the state. The proposed conclusions will to a certain extent contribute to the further development of the theory of the legal process, a scientific category that is in full demand by science and practice.