Key vectors of judicial system development in Russia and the USA: a comparative legal analysis

the article is devoted to a comparative legal study of the main directions of evolution and reform of the judicial systems of the Russian Federation and the United States of America. The relevance of the topic stems from the central role of the judiciary in ensuring the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights in modern states, as well as the ongoing processes of judicial transformation in both countries. The aim of the research is to identify the key development vectors, specific national features, and common challenges facing the judicial systems of Russia and the USA. The paper analyzes the historical, political, and legal prerequisites that have shaped the differences in judicial models belonging to the continental and Anglo-Saxon legal families, respectively. The main reform trends in the Russian judicial system are examined, including increased centralization through the unification of higher courts and the creation of district appellate and cassation courts, the abolition of regional constitutional courts, and an emphasis on court specialization (arbitrazh (commercial), military, Intellectual Property Court). The characteristic features of the American system are explored: the persistent dualism of federal and state courts, decentralization, the fundamental role of judicial precedent, and the US Supreme Court as a body of constitutional review. Special attention is paid to the problems of ensuring judicial independence and increasing the level of public trust in the courts, which are acute for both countries. Measures to improve the efficiency of justice are also analyzed, including the introduction of digital technologies (electronic document management, video conferencing) and ensuring access to justice. Differences in constitutional review mechanisms are identified (a specialized court in Russia versus integration into the general judicial system in the USA). It is concluded that, despite fundamental differences in structure and legal traditions, both systems are dynamically searching for ways to improve in order to adapt to modern socio-economic realities and more effectively protect rights and freedoms. Comparative analysis allows not only for a better understanding of each system but also for identifying potentially useful experiences for mutual enrichment.

judicial system, judicial power, Russia, the USA, comparative jurisprudence, judicial system development, reform, judicial independence, trust in court, constitutional review, dualism, centralization, specialization, efficiency of justice, digitalization