Bohak Y. The role of moral principles in the development of the rule of law: theoretical and practical aspects.

The study is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the rule of law as a moral construct. It is shown that the inclusion of moral imperatives in the main components of the legal system transforms it from a simple collection of formal norms into a morally grounded system of social relations. This approach emphasizes the importance of ethical values in the legal system, which provides effective protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens and promotes social justice. An important aspect of the study is the author's proposed model of the rule of law, which is based on the integration of moral values at all levels of legal relations. The main components of this model are a moral filter, moral arbitration, moral responsibility, moral legal awareness and protection of moral rights. It has been proven that such a model contributes to the formation of a fair legal system that harmoniously combines legal and moral principles, increasing the level of legal culture and social responsibility. The research examines the functional role of the legal state, which is not limited to ensuring law and order, but also performs the function of a moral arbiter to achieve ethical harmony in society. This covers both the protection of individual rights and freedoms and the support of public values. A new approach to the understanding of the legal state is proposed, which has not only a legal, but also a social function, which involves the introduction of moral values into public life and contributes to the harmonious development of society. In addition, the work highlights the influence of ethical norms on public trust in the judicial system and the legitimacy of court decisions. The study emphasizes the fundamental truth that justice is not just a technical process, but a social mechanism based on the principles of ethics and transparency. Public trust in the judicial system is one of the main factors that ensures the stability of society and the legitimacy of the government as a whole. Observance of ethical standards by judges increases the authority of court decisions, as citizens see the fairness and impartiality of the process. The importance of civil society in this context cannot be overestimated – its participation and control add transparency and accountability to the judicial system, contributing to the strengthening of democratic foundations and the formation of trust in legal institutions.