ISL of the Russian Academy of Sciences carries out fundamental and applied studies in the theories of governance and law, mechanisms and tendencies in law creation, law implementation and law enforcement. The Institute also develops practical recommendations for policy-makers, takes part in drafting legislation, and offers assistance in enhancing the legal profession.
The current priorities of ISL research are:
- problems in the development of the Russian State and formation of civil society
- relationship of Russian and foreign history, governance and law
- human rights issues
- development and systematization of Russian legislation
- legal principles of state management and administrative law
- determination of legal foundations for economic reforms, development of banking and business activities
- theory and practice of criminal justice
- civil law, court procedure, real estate and tax law
Since 1927 the Institute has been publishing scientific journal ‘State and Law’. ISL also collected a unique law library, with over 500, 000 volumes in a variety of European languages, including publications from the 16th century.
The website in Russian and English contains information on the history and activities of the Institute, as well as a list of publications available at the library (no full versions online).