Jewish Lawyers and Legal Reforms in Late Imperial Russia

This chapter examines the pivotal role of Jewish lawyers in the transformation of the Russian legal profession during the late 19th century, particularly in landmark trials like that of Vera Zasulich. It discusses the restrictions imposed on Jewish practitioners, societal tensions, and the implications of Talmudic law within the judicial system, emphasizing the moral decay and biases reflected in legal outcomes. Through historical anecdotes and critiques, the narrative highlights the complexities of identity and conversion among Jews in Russia, set against the backdrop of a changing social and political landscape.