At first glance, the theory of state and law might appear to be a relatively new or abstract discipline, detached from everyday practice. However, its origins are deeply embedded in the historical trajectory of legal scholarship and education.

The 19th Century: The Era of the "Encyclopedia of Law"
As early as the University Charter of 1835, the Department of the Encyclopedia of Law held a central position within the Faculty of Law. At that time, the curriculum focused on comprehensive overviews of jurisprudence, the foundations of Roman legislation, and civil, police, and criminal laws, alongside inquiries into the structure of the state and social organization. This diverse syllabus demonstrates that the fundamental ideas uniting law and the state have served as the bedrock of legal education since the 19th century.

In 1863, the Faculty of Law expanded its structure, establishing specialized departments for the Encyclopedia of Law, the history of foreign legislation, Roman law, constitutional (state) law, civil law, and criminal law. During this period, the Encyclopedia of Law functioned as a propaedeutic introduction to legal science, providing students with a holistic understanding of legal phenomena.

Despite the increased emphasis on Roman law in subsequent regulations (such as the Charter of 1884), the Department of the Encyclopedia of Law and the History of the Philosophy of Law maintained its significance as the essential gateway to advanced legal studies.

A Paradigmatic Shift: Developing New Methodologies
The revolutionary upheavals of the 20th century brought about a fundamental shift in scientific paradigms. The historical transition toward building a socialist society demanded a complete reimagining of the state and law.

During this era, the Encyclopedia and Philosophy of Law gradually lost their traditional introductory roles, making way for the emergence of the Theory of State and Law. This new science integrated concepts, methods, and analytical tools focused not only on legal norms but also on the very essence of the state, its functions, and its evolving role in society.

The Soviet Period
In 1919, the Faculty of Law at Moscow State University temporarily ceased its operations as a consequence of radical historical transformations and the rejection of "bourgeois" theories. However, following the restoration of the Faculty in 1942, a unified Department of the Theory and History of State and Law was established. By 1946, the Department of the Theory of State and Law was officially separated from the Department of History, marking a distinct institutional identity.

This period was characterized by the urgent need to train legal theorists capable of justifying and defining new state and legal realities within a socialist framework.

Modern State and Contemporary Academic Directions
While Soviet legal scholarship was governed by a singular Marxist-Leninist methodology, the subsequent de-ideologization of the social sciences introduced methodological pluralism. This modern approach recognizes diverse perspectives on legal understanding and necessitates a clear distinction between the various disciplines within the historical and theoretical cycle.

The introduction of specialized courses such as Philosophy of Law, Sociology of Law, and the History and Methodology of Legal Science has provided a powerful impulse for fostering the philosophical and intellectual environment of a modern civil society.

Today, the Department of Theory of State and Law and Political Science is a vital pillar of the Faculty of Law at Lomonosov Moscow State University. The disciplines taught here—including:

• Theory of State and Law
• History of Political and Legal Doctrines
• Philosophy of Law
• Sociology of Law
• Comparative Law

These courses combine the finest classical traditions of pre-revolutionary education with innovative, practice-oriented curriculum of the 21st century. Students follow modern educational standards that include exchange programs, participation in international and national conferences, and the mastery of cutting-edge research methodologies.

Vision and Career Prospects
Our teaching philosophy is centered on forming a comprehensive worldview regarding the state, law, and society. We prepare highly qualified specialists capable of analyzing historical, contemporary, and potential future legal phenomena.

The Department continues the venerable tradition of the "Encyclopedia of Law" while addressing modern challenges in state administration, legal regulation, and social dynamics. Our graduates successfully apply their expertise in private practice, as well as within the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.

The goals of the SSS are:

• Development of fundamental legal science, including the general theory of state and law, comparative law, the history of political and legal doctrines, philosophy and sociology of law, and the theory and methodology of legal science;
• Establishing closer interaction between sectoral and fundamental legal science;
• Strengthening interdepartmental and interdisciplinary cooperation;
• Establishing closer interaction between legal science and legal education.

The Center is established to facilitate the innovative development of scientific activities, create new scientific and educational concepts and research directions, and form an effective mechanism for integrating science and education in the field of the theory of state and law.