The nobility still retained positions of authority which was seen as compensation for their loss of serfs and even some radicals accepted this as a way of change which shows great success for Alexander. However, the powers of the zemstvas remained limited as they had no control over state and local taxes or the appointment of officials so law and order maintenance remained with the provincial governors. Furthermore, under Nicholas II the justice system was not entirely fair as a serf under trial was always presumed guilty unless proven innocent. Alexander II changed this with the Judicial Reforms in 1864, however not everyone was entirely satisfactory with it as although landowners received compensation the act did not spare noble
The nobility still retained positions of authority which was seen as compensation for their loss of serfs and even some radicals accepted this as a way of change which shows great success for Alexander. However, the powers of the zemstvas remained limited as they had no control over state and local taxes or the appointment of officials so law and order maintenance remained with the provincial governors. Furthermore, under Nicholas II the justice system was not entirely fair as a serf under trial was always presumed guilty unless proven innocent. Alexander II changed this with the Judicial Reforms in 1864, however not everyone was entirely satisfactory with it as although landowners received compensation the act did not spare noble