The Institute

The Institute for the State and the Law (ISL) was established in 1947. It is the only research institute within the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) dedicated to fundamental and applied research in the field of law. In addition to its research activities, the Institute provides expert and advisory services to the legislative, executive and judicial authorities. It is also actively engaged in the training of highly qualified legal researchers and doctoral students.

The Institute has a long-standing tradition of research into current legislation, its implementation and the challenges associated with harmonising Bulgarian law with European Union law. Its scholars collaborate on a wide range of collective research projects funded by the state budget and disseminate their findings through monographs, articles and other publications. The Institute also organises a variety of academic conferences each year.

Doctoral training is an important component of the Institute’s activities. Between 40 and 50 doctoral students are enrolled in its nine doctoral programmes in all forms of doctoral study (full-time, part-time and independent study). In addition, the Institute’s scholars teach more than 35 courses across almost all law faculties in Bulgaria.

The Institute provides expert advice and opinions to a range of public authorities. Its scholars submit expert opinions in interpretative cases before the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Supreme Administrative Court, participate in the drafting of legislation, and provide expert support to executive authorities.

The Institute comprises four research departments and also hosts a Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies.

The Public Law Department conducts research into theoretical and methodological issues in the general theory and history of law, Bulgarian state and legal history, constitutional law, administrative law, financial law and the sociology of law.

The Civil Law Department focuses on a broad range of civil law issues, including the general part of civil law, contractual relations, ownership and other property rights, intellectual property, commercial companies and transactions, family and inheritance law, and consumer protection.

The International Law Department focuses primarily on public and private international law, the rule of law and human rights in international law, counter-terrorism, and the harmonisation of Bulgarian law with European Union law.

The Criminal Law Department conducts research in criminal law, criminal procedure and criminalistics. Its scholars examine both fundamental and contemporary issues relating to the criminal policy of the Republic of Bulgaria, the development and improvement of the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, and the implementation of EU criminal law.

The Institute publishes the journal Pravna Misal (Legal Thought) and the collection Scientific Works of the Institute for the State and the Law. Both publications are available through the Central and Eastern European Online Library (CEEOL).