Such assemblies were non-seignural burlaw courts and dealt with minor disputes.

After the breakdown of the Soviet Union burlaw courts were no longer elected and were finally abolished by adoption of Russia's new Criminal Code in 1997.

Burlaw courts were elected for the term of two years by open voting of working collective members, and were entitled to consider minor offences and to impose fines up to 50 Soviet rubles (compared to the average monthly salary of 120 rubles) or to pass the case for consideration to regular courts of justice.