FROM THE HISTORY OF THE KYIV PROVINCE PRISON

Abstract

The article focuses on the research of the little-known periods of the history of the creation and operation of the Lukianivka prison of the Kyiv province in the second half of the 19th and early twentieth centuries.

On the basis of archival and published sources, the history of the creation and the reform of the above mentioned provincial prison are revealed. The specific features and innovations of the provincial prison are determined. The article describes the prisoners’ living conditions, the implementation of the basic measures of prison reform, the main events aimed at correcting the offenders, such as labor, spiritual and moral education, as well as elements of training the prisoners. The number and composition of the prisoners in the Kyiv provincial prison is cleared up. The Kyiv prison was considered as one of the best in the Russian Empire. It was regularly upgraded and rebuilt. It had the shelter for the prisoners’ children. The prison system was funded by the residual principle; the provincial prison had the necessary funds, although sometimes with a delay. The important role was played by the Prison Care Committee, which sometimes provided additional funding and support. Despite the Government’s efforts to streamline the prison activities, its further development required radical changes in the sphere of the material, personnel, organizational and legal support. In the period of revolutions, the organization of the prison system and its legal regulation did not undergo any radical changes. It continued to exist on the principles of the previous royal regime.