Formation of the Latin-type notarial system in the territory of Latvia (1889–1940)

Until 1918, the territory of Latvia was part of the Russian Empire. After the establishment of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, the laws of the Russian Empire were kept in force, including those regulating the judicial system. It was determined that these laws are applicable if they “do not contradict the Latvian state system and the platform of the People's Council”. On the other hand, when the independence of Latvia was restored in 1990/1991, the 1922 Constitution and several laws adopted during the interwar period were reinstated, including the 1937 Law on the notarial system. Therefore, in the history of the Latvian notarial system, it is essential to study the establishment of the Latin-type notarial system in the Russian Empire and the Law on the notarial system of 1937, which, with amendments, is still valid today. Therefore, the aim of this article is by using right’s history methods to examine, how during 1889–1940 Latin-type notary system established on the territory of Latvia.