A.M. Naumov - Ph.D. (Yurid.), Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (Vladimir branch). E-mail: Naumov@vfrags.ru

The author of the article analyses the development of the Russian legislation on criminal prosecution in Soviet period (1917-1923). The legislation of this period has two main features - extreme and revolutionary legality. For the purposes of the study revolutionary legality means that the subject of criminal prosecution acts upon the interests of dominant class, the interests of class struggle, revolutionary legal awareness instead of written law, published law in force. For the purposes of the study extreme means that the authorities use repression without any legal ground. Terror is allowed. The legal proceedings are applied in shorthand and simplified forms, for semblance of legitimacy only. The main idea applying legal proceedings is to destroy the class enemy rather than to ascertain the truth. The article gives a detailed analysis of criminal procedure-s codes of R.S.F.S.R dated 1922 and 1923. The author points out the main features of this period such as using extraordinary measures, handing over the procedural powers to administrative authority. An also inquiry and preliminary investigation-s bodies are broadened the powers at the reducing Office of Public Prosecutor-s power expense.