On November 1 (October 19) of 1865, Emperor Alexander II signed a decree that finally defined the status of bailiffs in Russia. The decree defined the order of introduction of the judicial statutes approved in December of 1864. Bailiffs gained their own professional holiday after the issuance of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on September 8, 2009. Since then, November 1 has been celebrated as Bailiff Day in our country.
Owing to the judicial reform of Alexander II, the institution of bailiffs was created. They served under justice of the peace, district courts, and magistrates' assemblies. Foreigners, persons under the age of 21, persons who had been convicted or were under investigation were denied to become bailiffs. Besides, disciplinary, civil, and criminal liability of bailiffs was also envisaged in the event of improper performance of their official duties.
The institution of bailiffs existed until the early 20th century and was abolished by a Decree of the Council of People's Commissars on November 24, 1917, along with the annulment of the former judicial system.
It was only 80 years later that the Russian state adopted special laws regulating legal relations in the sphere of compulsory enforcement of court decisions and other executive documents.
In 1997, the Federal Court Bailiff Service of the Russian Federation was established.
The postage stamps provide images of:
— bailiffs in ranks VIII and XII (1895);
— officers of justice (1971);
— bailiff executor and court officer responsible for ensuring the established order of court proceedings (2010);
— supreme and senior management of the Federal Bailiff Service of Russia (2025).
| Paper |
Printing method |
Perforation |
Format of the stamp |
Edition |
| Chalk surfaced |
Offset + security system |
Comb 11½ |
32,5 × 65 mm |
68 thousand stamps |