The transformation of the concept of ‘integrity’ in the legal system of Ukraine as a category: from theory to practice
The article substantiates the relevance of studying the category of integrity in the context of the socio-economic, scientific, cultural, and legal development of the state. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of the concept of “integrity” within the national legal system of Ukraine and to its gradual transition from a moral and ethical category to a legal construct that has practical significance in the fields of public service, public administration, education, anti-corruption policy, and legal responsibility. It is established that the evolutionary nature of integrity and its interdisciplinary connections provide a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, its substantive content, determination, and the emergence of new forms in the context of the development of theory and practice. The article emphasizes that integrity is not only a moral characteristic of an individual but also an important criterion for assessing the conduct of public officials, their compliance with social values, the principles of the rule-of-law state, and generally accepted notions of the public good. The national regulatory framework is analyzed, within which integrity appears as an important factor in ensuring transparency, accountability, impartiality, and responsibility of individuals holding public office. Special attention is paid to the need to take into account global trends and to implement European legal standards into national legislation as a prerequisite for Ukraine’s European integration processes. The article substantiates the need to improve mechanisms for assessing integrity by shifting from a purely moral approach to a clearly defined legal framework, as well as by introducing an effective, independent, and transparent system of integrity auditing at all levels of public authority and professional activity.