Taras Shevchenko and the Power of Law: The Word That Shapes Justice

Every year on March 9, Ukraine honors the birthday Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko − a poet, thinker, artist, and spiritual guide of the nation. His word became a symbol of the struggle for dignity, freedom, and justice − values that form the foundation of Ukrainian statehood and modern legal education.

The poet lived in a time when human rights in Ukrainian lands were severely restricted: serfdom, social inequality, and the oppression of language and culture were part of everyday life. In his work, he sharply condemned injustice, lawlessness, and abuse of power. His poetry became a moral indictment of a system that denied the natural rights of humans. Therefore, Shevchenko can be considered not only a poet but also a thinker who affirmed the idea of a society built on truth and law.

For the Kyiv University of Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the figure of T.G. Shevchenko holds special significance. His word reminds future lawyers that law is not only norms and procedures, but above all an instrument for protecting human dignity and justice.

Studying at our university combines theoretical knowledge with practical thinking, analytics, and responsibility to society. Future lawyers learn to see human destinies behind legal norms and to make decisions based on the principles of legality, justice, and respect for human rights.

In this context, the famous call of Kobzar also sounds relevant: “Fight – and you will overcome, God helps you!” This line can be perceived not only as a call to national struggle, but also as a moral exhortation for those who have chosen the path of serving the law − to fight for truth, to defend justice, and to uphold human rights.

Honoring the memory of Taras Shevchenko, we simultaneously remind ourselves of the responsibility for the future of our state. It is precisely from young lawyers that the establishment of the principle of the rule of law, the development of democratic institutions, and the protection of the rights of every citizen depend.

The word of T. G. Shevchenko shaped the nation. And the law, based on the values he wrote about, forms a just society.

Press Center KUL NASU