This historical act is often cited as one of Russia’s earliest moves toward a more progressive and reformist criminal justice system, despite the brutal nature of the alternative punishments. Over the centuries, the abolition of the death penalty under Empress Elizaveta has remained a symbol of a more enlightened approach to justice, even as the methods of punishment evolved.

Today, the debate over the death penalty in Russia remains contentious. Although public opinion is divided—with some advocating for its reinstatement to combat crime and others emphasizing human rights—the country currently upholds a moratorium on capital punishment. This moratorium was officially established by the Constitutional Court of Russia in 1999 and later reaffirmed in 2009 in response to international human rights standards and evolving judicial perspectives. Critics and supporters alike reference Elizaveta’s historic decree when arguing over modern penal reforms, and her legacy continues to influence discussions on the balance between justice and humanity in the Russian legal system.