Moral Idealism in the Philosophy of Law of P.I. Novgorodtsev

Purpose. One of the primary goals of higher legal education is to develop students' professional legal awareness. This purpose can be achieved by developing students' analytical skills, fostering conceptual thinking, and broadening their worldview. Using the approach of the prominent Russian jurist P.I. Novgorodtsev as an example, the aim is to demonstrate the need for ideal structures in the fields of law and government. Methodology: logical (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), problem-theoretical, systemic, hermeneutic, and comparative approaches. Conclusions. It is argued that law should be understood not only as a social phenomenon but also as a norm and principle of personality. This quest reveals the essence of law, which is independent of specific historical conditions. Three stages in the development of the normative principle, proposed by P.I. Novgorodtsev, are demonstrated: 1) formal-positive dogmatics; 2) empirical analysis of the idea of law as an internal, psychological, individual experience; 3) ethical theory of law. Scientific and practical relevance. The article aims to develop doctrinal legal thinking and demonstrates the value of legal philosophy and the axiology of personality. It is shown that the philosophical study of law is aimed at exploring law as an intrinsic, absolute value. The moral principle, being inherently critical and formal, does not preclude the possibility of its combination with temporary, specific goals. It is argued that, unlike Kant's philosophy, Novgorodtsev advocated the implementation of moral principles in real life through the creation of a rule-of-law state with social functions in Russia.