Special categories of criminal law in Russia

Purpose: Study of a number of special categories of criminal law in Russia. Methodology: The analysis method and formal legal methods were used. Results: The article substantiates the importance of maintaining in criminal law of Russia, as a special branch of law, traditionally inherent categories and principles: «crime», «punishment», «complicity in a crime», principle, personal responsibility, and others. Attention is drawn to the fact that «breaking is not building», and changing the essence of specific categories of this branch of law does not contribute to the effectiveness of the fight against crime, on the contrary, it complicates law enforcement. Novelty/originality/value: The article is distinguished by scientific novelty and has significant scientific value.