Almanac of law. Issue 16 (2025), pages 275–280.
DOI: 10.33663/2524-017X-2025-16-275-280
Pendiura M. M., Vadimov A. P.
Peculiarities of manifestation of social effectiveness of legislation in lawmaking, law implementation and interpretation of legal norms
This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of social effectiveness of legislation, focusing on its manifestation in the three fundamental components of the legal process: law-making, implementation of law, and interpretation of legal norms. The authors argues that social effectiveness is not merely a theoretical or supplementary characteristic of legislation, but a central indicator of the quality and viability of legal norms within a democratic society. Socially effective laws are those that reflect and meet real societal needs, values, and expectations, contributing to the achievement of public goals, social harmony, and the proper functioning of legal institutions.
In the sphere of law-making, the article emphasizes the legislator’s responsibility to foresee the legal and social consequences of normative acts. Social effectiveness at this stage involves the ability to formulate laws that are clear, coherent, feasible, and adaptable to changing social conditions. This includes the consideration of empirical data, public consultations, and the inclusion of mechanisms for monitoring and revising laws as needed. A socially effective legislative process is also one that promotes inclusivity, transparency, and legitimacy in the eyes of the population.
During the implementation phase, the effectiveness of legal norms is assessed based on their capacity to shape and regulate social behavior in accordance with legal principles and public interest. Socially effective implementation presupposes not only the formal application of legal norms but also their internalization by the subjects of lawcitizens, institutions, and public authorities. Indicators of success at this stage include a reduction in legal violations, increased compliance with the law, trust in the legal system, and a sense of legal security among the population.
In terms of interpretation, the article explores how the social effectiveness of legal norms depends on the ability of interpreters-judges, legal scholars, practitioners-to uncover and apply the normative content of legislation in a way that promotes justice, consistency, and practical relevance. Proper interpretation should reconcile the letter of the law with its spirit and ensure that legal decisions reflect current social realities and evolving public values.
The authors proposes a set of recommendations aimed at improving the responsiveness, legitimacy, and impact of legal norms at each stage of the legal cycle. These include strengthening law-making, improving legal education and communication, enhancing institutional capacity for legal enforcement, and developing flexible methodologies for interpreting and updating legal provisions in response to social change.
Key words: social efficiency, legislation, lawmaking, implementation of law, interpretation of legal norms, quality of law, legal system, regulatory act, law enforcement, legal technique, social justice.
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