Halytsian-Volynian Principality: ethymology of the concept, authorities and their status

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to establish the authenticity and legal grounds for the application in relation to the state formation that existed in Galicia and Volhynia in the XIІ – XIII centuries. Names principality or kingdom. Methods. The methodological basis of the study was a set of general scientific, special scientific and philosophical methods, as well as the principles of historicism and objectivity. The key method was historical retrospective and comparative approach, which allowed determining the features and etymology of the concepts of «state», «kingdom», «principality». Results. It is established that there are approaches in the Ukrainian historical and legal nation to the name of the state formation that existed in Galicia and Volhynia in the XII-XIV centuries. – «principality», «kingdom», «state», is evidence that this issue is poorly understood and requires detailed attention of scientists. First, it is advisable to streamline both the terminology and approaches to understanding the key stage of nation building. It is stated that the established practice of simultaneous and parallel application of the terms Galicia-Volyn principality, Galicia-Volyn state and even the Kingdom of Rus, does not rely on existing legal, political and historical circumstances. Their use is usually in the form of synonyms, which is not entirely correct from a scientific point of view. In this case, the authoritative titles of «king» and «prince» are equivalent, and their formal difference is the symbol of power – the crown, because there is no reliable information about a similar element of power in Russia. Scientific novelty. The analysis of etymological and scientific approaches to the concepts «Galicia-Volyn principality», «Galicia-Volyn state» and «Kingdom of Russia» is given, the legal bases of application of each of them are defined. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in further historical and legal research, preparation of special courses.