CIVIL-LAW PROTECTION OF THE REPUTATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION FROM DEFAMATION

Abstract

Introduction: in the context of recent multiple cases of defamation against the Russian Federation, the article analyzes the possibility of civil-law protection of Russia’s reputation and right to reputation. We discuss the possibility of applying the methods of civil-law protection of intangible benefits and personal non-property rights specified in the norms of Russian civil legislation to the protection of Russia’s reputation from defamation, taking into account the specific nature of this intangible benefit and Russia's personal non-property right to this benefit. Purpose: to analyze the current state of social relations associated with the need for civil-law protection of such a type of intangible benefits as reputation and the personal non-property right of the Russian Federation for this benefit, which arose due to the multiple cases of dissemination of false defamatory information concerning the Russian state. Methods: general scientific and special scientific methods were used, including theoretical, formal-legal, comparative-legal ones, method of analysis and synthesis. Results: the paper gives definitions of civil-law protection and safeguarding of the civil right of the Russian Federation to reputation; notes that civil-law protection of reputation should be carried out by means not prohibited by law, i.e. with the use of the appropriate form, means, and methods of protection; investigates the application of the methods of civil-law protection established in Russian civil legislation to the protection of Russia’s reputation from defamation, taking into account the specific nature of reputation as an intangible benefit that Russia possesses. Conclusions: it is essential to distinguish independent methods of civil-law protection of the reputation of the Russian Federation from defamation as this would make it possible to provide effective protection and hold liable for acts of defamation.