THE REGULATORY AND LEGAL BASIS OF THE REPRESSIVE POLICY OF THE SOVIET AUTHORITIES TOWARDS MINORS (1918-1958)

Abstract

The article examines the Soviet regulatory framework of repressive policy towards minors. The main laws, resolutions, as well as other policy documents revealing the essence and scope of the policy of repression of children are analyzed. The main categories of children who have been subjected to repression are identified and characterized. Having systematized the available normative framework, the authors identified five stages from 1918 to 1958, where the main criterion was legislative documents aimed at tightening or softening the repressive policy towards the underage contingent. The authors conclude that the Soviet authorities had developed a special legal framework, classified as “top secret” and “secret”, which allowed repressed children to be recognized as social outcasts and brought up by harsh methods in places of isolation. This legal framework did not comply with the norms and principles of international law