The textbook provides a systematic presentation of several topics that are most important for characterizing the development of statehood and law of Russia in the 18th century: the concept and formation of absolutism, state transformations of Peter I and Catherine II, reforms in the field of state and local government. The history of the formation of Russian estates and the development of branches of law: civil, criminal, family and marriage is covered. The formation of new judicial bodies and norms of procedural law has been investigated. The textbook is intended for students studying in the direction of training "Jurisprudence," qualification (degree) "bachelor" of all forms of education.