On the history of the Mordovian customary law system during the Soviet period

In the article some traditional legal aspects of life of the Mordvins during the Soviet period, mainly in 1917 - 1950s, are discussed. The author analyzes functioning of village gatherings and courts of the village elders as major elements of customary judiciary system. The central attention is focused on the commune, which guaranteed the implementation of legal customs. In addition, the evolution of the commune and its legal structures at the time of the formation of the village soviet and kolkhoz is shown. On the basis of the wide range of sources, primarily archive and field materials, the author gives concrete examples of legal conflicts resolution in the criminal and property spheres in accordance with norms of the customary law.