Legal hypocrisy: concept and social aspects

Abstract

This article examines legal hypocrisy as a social phenomenon, exploring its causes and consequences for the legal system and public trust. In contemporary legal systems, there is often a discrepancy between the formal adherence to legal norms and their actual application, which undermines trust in legal institutions and fosters legal nihilism. The research employs analytical, historical-legal, and comparative-legal methods, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the phenomenon of legal hypocrisy, its forms, and social consequences. The findings indicate that legal hypocrisy is often distorted for the interests of specific groups and can take various forms, leading to a decline in public legal awareness. The conclusion emphasizes the need to enhance legal culture and judicial independence to mitigate legal hypocrisy and restore trust in legal institutions.