Changes in the judicial systems were carried out by Pavlo І and resulted in the loss of class and largely elective character of the judicial system. The emperor renewed privileges and former features in organization of the judicial department in Ukrainian provinces. However, his aim was to strengthen further centralization of rule. Russian power during reformation of the judicial system in the end of the XVIII century proclaimed creation of courts according to European standards concerning the electiveness of judges, all-estate order of consideration of cases, independence. But the dependence of courts was really kept with central and local government bodies. The attempt of Pavlo І to improve the judicial department was aimed at not returning to old times, but creation of more centralized and dependent system, though taking into account some local traditions. However, these changes had short-term character and substantially did not influence on a further evolution and transformation of the judicial system.Досліджено трансформацію судової системи на українських землях, що входило до складу Російської імперії в кінці ХVІІІ ст. Показано суперечливість реформаційних зусиль, зроблених у цій сфері за доби правління імператора Павла І
