Senate

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SENATE (The Ruling Senate) was the highest state institution of the Russian Empire. It was founded by Tsar Peter the Great on 22 February 1711 as the highest organ of legislation, administration and judiciary. Senators were appointed personally by the Emperor, and as a rule bore their titles for life. In 1722, the Senate was headed by the Procurator General (called the Attorney General from 1802), who reported to the Senate Chancery. During the 18th century the role of the Senate in state Government was lowered by a number of new High Organs of State Power, and gradually turned into their highest administrative and judicial institution. In 1763, the Senate was divided into six departments (four of them were situated in St. Petersburg). After establishment of the Ministries (1802), the Senate preserved the function of highest judicial organ and supervisory authority (though attempts to return it to its original role were continually undertaken). By the mid 19th century, the Senate consisted of twelve departments (six of them in St. Petersburg). After the Judicial Reform of 1864, the Senate was reorganised and by the early 20th century it consisted of the following departments: the First Department, the Second Department, Heraldic Department, Judicial Department, two Appeals Departments (criminal and civil), and the Departments of Special and High Disciplinary Tribunals. Originally, the Senate was situated in the Building of the Twelve Collegiums; from 1763, it moved to the building at 1 Senatskaya (today Dekabristov) Square; for the period of its reconstruction (1829-36, architect K.I. Rossi), meetings were moved to the old building. The Senate was abolished by the Decree of the Soviet of Peoples Commissars of 22 November (1 December) 1917.

References: История Правительствующего Сената за 200 лет, 1711-1911: В 5 т. СПб., 1911; Высшие и центральные государственные учреждения России, 1801-1917 гг. СПб., 1998. Т. 1.

D. N. Shilov. Peter I, Emperor
Rossi Carl Ivanovich (Carlo Giovanni)
Dekabristov Square/Saint Petersburg, city, house 1
История Правительствующего Сената за 200 лет, 1711 - 1911: В 5 т. СПб.
Высшие и центральные государственные учреждения России, 1801-1917 гг. СПб., 1998 Twelve Collegiums Building
Senate and Synod Buildings