Investigation of Prince M. P. Gagarin’s Case in Context of Development of State Control System in First Quarter of 18th Century

The article investigates the activities of Prince Matvey Petrovich Gagarin as the first governor of Siberia. The materials of his investigation case are examined in the context of the development of the state control system over the actions of government authorities during the reign of Peter I. The process of creating legislation and special controlling and judicial bodies aimed at regulating the limits of powers of civil servants, identifying and preventing their violations, is characterized. The study is based on the analysis of legislative sources regulating the organization of new administrative-territorial divisions. A number of documentary sources from the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts are analyzed, including cases from the Siberian Office, orders from Governor M. P. Gagarin, reports from commanders of Siberian cities, petitions from various individuals, and other materials. It is shown that the organization of investigative measures and the criminal case process against Prince M. P. Gagarin were under the personal control of Peter I. The conclusion is drawn that Prince M. P. Gagarin was an active participant in many reforms initiated by the reformist tsar. At the same time, it is demonstrated that Prince Gagarin’s biography is a vivid example of the collision between the widespread practice of enrichment by aristocratic clans and Peter I’s principles and views on the essence and place of official service in his “regular” police state. 

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