Elections and Recall of Judges in People’s Court as a Manifestation of People’s Control in Soviet Russia

The fact that Soviet citizens could elect and recall judges is widely viewed by social scientists as a clear manifestation of people’s control in Soviet Russia. This article examines the institutional frameworks and procedures governing the election and recall of People’s Court judges, explaining their role in shaping a capable and trustworthy judiciary. Utilizing the regulatory legal acts of the Soviet era, the author outlines these election and recall mechanisms, focusing on how they engaged citizens in overseeing judicial composition while maintaining systemic effectiveness. Additionally, the study reveals how Communist Party and administrative bodies influenced pre-election stages and final outcomes. While these procedures reflected distinct features of Soviet social control, the article critically evaluates their actual performance in managing judicial recruitment. Identifying which elements succeeded or failed offers valuable historical insights for modern judicial recruitment reforms.