Kant and modern law

On April 22, 2024, the world celebrated the 300th anniversary of the birth of Immanuel Kant, an outstanding thinker who was not only a philosopher, but can rightfully be called a jurist. Kant’s ideas have become the foundation for modern law. Kant’s philosophy of law has a significant influence on the legal systems of states that consider themselves democratic, legal, and republican. Kant’s ideas have gained particular importance in the field of international law, constitutional law, and the theory of state and law. Kant’s categorical imperative, in essence, has become a key legal value that is enshrined in the vast majority of the constitutions of democratic states. Moreover, Kant’s concept of the dignity of the individual is the cornerstone of the modern doctrine of human and civil rights and freedoms. The philosopher’s ideas about the limits of human rights have also found legislative embodiment and practical application. Immanuel Kant developed the foundations of the legal concept of “limits of limits” of human rights and freedoms (German: Schranken-Schranken-Theorie). The Kant’s formula that the right of one person ends where the right of another begins has become widely accepted. According to Immanuel Kant’s ideas, all fundamental and other derivative human rights and freedoms have their limits and should not be used to harm or prejudice the rights of others. The author believes that the philosophical ideas of Immanuel Kant in the 21st century have not only not become obsolete but have gained even greater relevance and practical significance, which applies, among other things, to the Russian Federation, which is still continuing its slow and problem-ridden ascent to the rule of law.