Official documents of the XV, XVI, XVII centuries, as well as some Novgorod records of the end of the XIV century were first prepared by the Archaeographic Commission for publication in 1838. Legal acts consist of such documents, which in ancient times provided for the property of societies or individuals, protected rights, determined their obligations and mutual relations. They form the key to knowledge of ancient office work and serve as a guide in the study of Russian diplomacy. In addition, they contribute to the development of other branches of historical knowledge - state history, law, statistics, etc.