Legal Trust in the Organization and Activities of Public Associations

Abstract

The study is devoted to an analysis of the phenomenon of legal trust in the organization and functioning of public associations as important actors in both private and public legal relations. The article focuses on the legal nature of public associations, their functions, and the forms of internal interaction among participants (members). Particular attention is given to the analysis of Federal Law No. 82-FZ of May 19, 1995, «On Public Associations», and Federal Law No. 7-FZ of January 12, 1996, «On Non-Profit Organizations». The author concludes that current legislation, together with the internal rules of such associations, provides legal structures and mechanisms designed to ensure legal trust in the organization and operation of public associations, the foundation of which is the principle of trust. The article identifies three models for implementing the principle of trust in the internal governance relations of civic associations, based on the presence of guarantees of independence, the degree of interference, and the extent of organizational autonomy. Legal trust in public associations is secured through the provisions of their charters. More broadly, the internal organization of public associations, as well as the formation and maintenance of their corporate and organizational culture, is to a significant extent grounded in the principle of trust.