Lese-Majeste Cases as a Historical Source: The Potential of Quantitative Analysis. Based on Materials from the Tambov Province of the Second Half of the 19th Century

Scientific article

DOI 10.28995/2073-0101-2026-1-27-44

For citation

Samokhin, Konstantin V. (2026). "Lesse-Majeste Cases as a Historical Source: The Potential of Quantitative Analysis." Based on Materials from the Tambov Province of the Second Half of the 19th Century, Herald of an Archivist. no. 4, pp. 27-44. DOI 10.28995/2073-0101-2026-1-27-44

Samokhin, Konstantin V., Tambov State Technical University, Tambov, Russia

Lese-Majeste Cases as a Historical Source: The Potential of Quantitative Analysis. Based on Materials from the Tambov Province of the Second Half of the 19th Century

Abstract

This article examines possible principles for quantitative analysis of l?se-Majest? cases, revealing certain features and enhancing the transparency of this historical source. The study is based on data introduced into scientific circulation for the first time and collected in cases reflected in the relevant forensic documentation of Tambov Province for the period 1862-1886. To assess the potential for quantitative analysis of the available cases, the author uses parameters such as year-over-year changes in statistics; the social background and professional activities of the defendants, as well as the presence of alcohol intoxication at the time of the offense; and the application of specific preventive measures for the offenses committed. The statistical analysis was conducted on 83 cases—a number sufficiently representative for the purposes of this study. However, the correlation with the overall population of Tambov Province in the second half of the 19th century suggests that such cases are isolated, preventing them from being considered illustrations of established trends. The chronological distribution of the cases makes clear the significant impact the assassination of Russian Emperor Alexander II had on the ideological attitudes of Tambov residents. However, it is premature to infer a high degree of anti-monarchist sentiment among the population of Tambov Governorate from the "burst" of cases opened in 1881, as the cases used are primarily aimed at documenting negative attitudes toward the Emperor, while all positive statements are excluded from these statistics. The principle of characterizing defendants by social status is inherently limited, as the required information is available in only half of the cases examined. However, the available information allows us to, with certain reservations, document such features of the historical source under consideration as the large number of peasants involved in the case and the fact that many of the defendants were intoxicated. An analysis of the professional affiliations of the offenders leads to the conclusion that the attitude toward military service of some of them influenced the formation of a corresponding critical assessment of the emperor and the monarchical form of government. A quantitative analysis of the legal sanctions applied to the accused leads to the conclusion that there are contradictions between actual legal practice and the provisions contained in Articles 246 and 248 of the Code of Criminal and Correctional Punishments of 1866.

Keywords

Lese majeste, judicial and investigative cases, principles of quantitative analysis, monarchism, mentality, regicide, Tambov province, late imperial period, historical sources.

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About authors

Samokhin Konstantin V., Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Tambov State Technical University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Department of History and Philosophy, Associate Professor, Tambov, Russia, 8-910-651-63-64, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The article was received in the editorial office on 24.12.2024, recommended for publication on 20.12.2025.