“From Time to Time, Being Drunk, He Committed Petty Thefts”: Crimes of Lower-Ranking Military Men of the Vyborg and Kexholm Garrisons in the 1710–1740

Abstract

The article examines military law and law enforcement in military courts in Russia during the 18^th century. The author compares state legislation with sentences imposed on the garrison personnel of the Vyborg and Kexholm fortresses.

The study spans the period from the 1710s to the 1740s, which represents the early use of two pivotal military law acts from the Petrine era: the Military Procedure Code and the Military Article, both issued in 1715. By analyzing archival documents pertaining to the Vyborg and Kexholm garrisons, the author identifies the most prevalent crimes committed by lower-ranking personnel, assesses the nature of the sentences rendered, compares punishments for similar offenses, and traces the application of military criminal law in routine judicial practice. The findings indicate that the most common offenses among lower-ranking members in Vyborg and Kexholm included escapes and thefts. Military personnel were also frequently charged with poor performance of their duties and excessive alcohol consumption.  In contrast, more serious crimes, such as false denunciation, attempts on life, and sexual violence, were relatively rare. Under the law, even minor military offenses faced severe penalties. However, the revision process introduced significant modifications to the nature of these sentences. The College of War frequently reviewed the decisions made by regimental courts, often opting for lighter punishments. Consequently, alongside the established codified norms, a set of unwritten rules emerged that were implemented in practice and tended to be more lenient.