The definition of the sources of the criminal law

Abstract

Problem setting. The article investigates the notion of the sources of criminal law. The approaches to definition of the source of law are analyzed. On the basis of fundamental research of the current legislation inUkraine selected characteristics of the sources of criminal law. Using the inductive study method is the definition of sources of criminal law.

Recent research and publications. Obviously, the concept itself is not able entirely to solve the highlighted problem. Moreover, the identification of sources of criminal law is only possible through the selection of some traits from the concept. After all, the concept of "source of criminal law" is the species concept in relation to sources of law in General. As with any concept in science, it must be based on theoretical concepts.

Paper objective. From our point of view, the answer to the question about the range of sources of criminal law can be based exclusively on the clarification of the concepts and features of this source. In other words, only the phenomenon, which will fully meet all scientific indications of the sources of criminal law, and can only be attributed to them.

Paper main body. Given the above, the purpose of this article is the definition of "source of criminal law". Applying the inductive method of knowledge and doctrinal analysis of the formal and material sources of criminal law, we can distinguish a number of characteristics by which we define the concept of "source of criminal law".

A generalization of the existing points of view on the problem of the sources of law has led scientists to believe that it refers to: 1) factor, from which derives the right, the source of knowledge of law; 2) the basis from which comes the right; 3) that contains the right, meaning the standards set or fixed at a certain stage of a dominant class; the material conditions of society; 4) the form or method of formation, occurrence and expression of the rule of law, what should the mandatory power law.

Thus, the sources of criminal law, depending on various criteria (for example, form and content) can be viewed from different sides. However, we propose to consider the sources of criminal law only formal-legal.

Conclusions of the research. The form of law is multi-faceted, multi-level and multi-valued, not existing in isolation. It is not based on the content of the phenomenon. Formality in criminal law is manifested in the enactment of criminal law norms in normative legal acts. The analyzed aspect I would like to pay special attention to the confluence of the sources of criminal law and its forms, that is, formal-legal aspect. Not coincidentally, all of the above sources exist in the legal system in the form of legal acts. Therefore, the shape of the sources of criminal law must be textually reflect the standards enshrined in legal act.

In addition to the form and content, plays an important entity that establishes a particular norm as criminal law. So, legal effectiveness and social significance of each source of law depends on what place in the state authorities took the body. Regarding the sources of criminal law, I would like to mention that only certain bodies have the authority to create relevant normative-legal acts, to amend and repeal the last. Thus, the Verkhovna Rada ofUkraineis able to influence the criminal legislation ofUkraine, with changes. Based on the foregoing, the people's deputies ofUkrainehave the right to submit draft laws on amending the criminal law.