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Petr RedkinFamous lawyer
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Professorship in Moscow
- Legal Scholarship and Publications
- Professorship in St. Petersburg
- Later Career and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Pyotr Georgiyevich Redkin (1808-1891) was a renowned Russian jurist. In 1826, after completing his studies at the Nezhyn Higher Gymnasium, he enrolled in the ethical and political department of Moscow University. In 1828, along with Nikolai Pirogov and others, he was sent to prepare for a professorship, initially in Dorpat and later abroad.
In Berlin, Redkin studied under eminent scholars such as Hegel, Gans, Savigny, and Eichhorn. Rejecting the historical school of law, he embraced Hegel's philosophical system and wrote the first Russian article on it for the "Moskvityanin" (1841).
Professorship in Moscow
Returning to Russia in 1835, Redkin was appointed as a Doctor of Laws and began teaching the encyclopedia of law at Moscow University. His professorship spanned from 1835 to 1848, earning him widespread popularity. His captivating lectures, infused with energy and passion, inspired students with a love for science, truth, and justice. He particularly emphasized the philosophy of law and state, expounding on Hegel's doctrines.
Legal Scholarship and Publications
During his tenure in Moscow, Redkin published the "Yuridicheskiye Zapiski" (1841) and the "Biblioteka dlya Vospitaniya" (1843). After leaving Moscow University, he assumed the position of secretary to the Assistant Minister of Appanages, Count Perovsky, in 1849. In 1850, he was appointed member of the general body of the Appanages Department.
Despite his departure from the university, Redkin continued his legal scholarship. His most notable work of this period was "On the Independence of Justice" (1860), where he argued for the independence not only of courts but of the entire judicial system, including judges, lawyers, the law itself, and the rights of individuals.
Professorship in St. Petersburg
In 1863, Redkin's dream of returning to the professorship was realized when he joined the faculty of St. Petersburg University as professor of the encyclopedia of law. His teaching coincided with a shift in his philosophical perspective from Hegelianism to positivism, although he retained some influence from Hegel.
Redkin never developed a complete or systematic theory of law. Nevertheless, he played a pivotal role in Russian intellectual life as an influential teacher who passionately defended the freedom of university scholarship, inspired young minds, and encouraged intellectual pursuits. His "Lectures on the History of the Philosophy of Law" (1889-91) revealed his exceptional rapport with students and his ability to bridge theory with contemporary issues.
Later Career and Legacy
In 1878, Redkin retired from his professorship due to declining health. From 1873 to 1876, he served as rector of St. Petersburg University. Concurrently with his resignation from the university, he was appointed chairman of the Appanages Department and later became a member of the State Council in 1882.
Redkin wrote several articles on educational issues, which remained close to his heart. He was co-founder and long-time chairman of the Pedagogical Society in St. Petersburg. Redkin's contributions to legal scholarship, teaching, and the advancement of education left an enduring legacy in Russian intellectual circles.
