THE GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF NOTARIAL PRACTICE: HISTORICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS, CONCEPTS, ESSENCE, AND LEGAL NATURE OF THE INSTITUTION OF NOTARIAL PRACTICE
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Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the genesis and evolution of the notarial institution, focusing on its historical and legal foundations, essence, and legal nature. It traces the development of notarial activity from ancient civilizations, particularly the Roman Empire, where functions were performed by tabellions and scribes, to the establishment of the classical Latin notariat model in medieval Europe. Special attention is given to the reception of Roman law, which laid the foundation for modern notarial principles such as public trust, preventive justice, and documentary authentication. The study examines the main stages of the notariat’s development in Ukrainian territories, from the influence of Magdeburg Law in the cities of the 14th–17th centuries to the codification processes of the 19th century within various state formations. The Soviet period, when the notariat was integrated into the state justice system, is analyzed alongside the post-Soviet reforms of the 1990s, which introduced private notaries alongside state notaries. The article defines and reveals the essence of the notariat as a unique legal institution combining public-law and private-law elements. Its legal nature is explored through the lens of international acts, including the 1961 Hague Convention, and a comparative analysis of Romano-Germanic and Anglo-Saxon systems. The paper substantiates that the notariat is an integral part of the mechanism of a modern rule-of-law state, ensuring a balance between the protection of private interests and the implementation of public control. The conclusions emphasize the need for further harmonization of Ukrainian notarial legislation with European standards, improvement of professional requirements and control procedures, and preservation of historical and legal heritage as the basis for the effective functioning of this legal institution in the context of globalization and digitalization.
How to Cite
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notariat, historical and legal aspect, evolution, legal nature, public trust, Romano-Germanic system, private notariat
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