Nagashbay Shaykenov Prominent Kazakh legal scholar and political figure Date of Birth: . Country: Russia

1. Early Life and Career
2. Academic and Research Career
3. Political Career
4. Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister
5. Rector of Kazakh State Law University
6. Contributions to Legal Reform
7. Legacy

Early Life and Career

Nursultan Abishevich Shaikenov, a prominent Kazakh legal scholar and politician, was born in 1947 in the Orenburg region of Russia. He graduated with honors from the Sverdlovsk Law Institute in 1974 and subsequently worked at the same institution until 1987.

Academic and Research Career

From 1987 to 1992, Shaikenov served as a senior researcher at the Institute of Philosophy of Law of the Ural Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Sverdlovsk. His research focused on fundamental issues of legal theory, including the nature of law, the relationship between law and interests in society, and the formation of a legal society.

Political Career

In 1992, Shaikenov was invited to Kazakhstan by President Nursultan Nazarbayev. He served as Deputy Head of the Council of Economic Consultants to the President's Supreme Economic Council from June to October 1992. From 1992 to 1993, he was an advisor to the President.

Minister of Justice and Deputy Prime Minister

Shaikenov was appointed Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1993 and held that position until 1995. During his tenure, he initiated a comprehensive legal reform, rehabilitated the Ministry of Justice, and significantly expanded its role in the law enforcement system. He also played a key role in developing the State Program of Legal Reform in 1994.

Rector of Kazakh State Law University

In 1996, Shaikenov resigned from his ministerial position and was appointed Rector of the Kazakh State Law University. He established the university as a leading center for legal education and research and introduced innovative programs, including qualifying exams for judges.

Contributions to Legal Reform

Throughout his career, Shaikenov made significant contributions to the development of Kazakhstan's legal system. He successfully advocated for the separation of investigative work and prosecutorial oversight, the establishment of a specialized legal publication (Zhan), and the creation of a legal information center within the Ministry of Justice. He also oversaw the adoption of the Civil Code and the introduction of the "Scales on the Sun" symbol as the new emblem of justice in Kazakhstan.

Legacy

Nursultan Abishevich Shaikenov passed away from cancer on March 25, 2000, at the age of 54. His legacy as a legal scholar and reformer continues to shape the legal landscape of Kazakhstan to this day.