The book explores the causes of judicial reform associated with the crisis of the feudal serf system. The struggle in the government camp for the essence and form of judicial transformations, the evolution of their principles and institutions is analyzed. The program of judicial reform and its transformation in the judicial charters of 1864 are characterized. An assessment of the public thought of judicial reform is given. The publication is designed for students of legal and historical universities and faculties, scientists, all interested in the domestic history of the state and law.