The concept of the category “legal liability” is revealed and its essential features are defined in the article.

It was found out that the current legislation provides only criminal liability: for public outrage to the State Flag of Ukraine, the State Coat of Arms of Ukraine or the National Anthem of Ukraine (Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), as well as for illegal raising the State Flag of Ukraine on a river or sea vessel (Article 339 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Criminal liability for public outrage to the State Flag of Ukraine, the State Coat of Arms of Ukraine or the National Anthem of Ukraine, as well as for illegal raising the State Flag of Ukraine on a river or sea vessel is analyzed.

The provision that Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine needs significant improvement and appropriate changes, as the authority of the Ukrainian state is undermined not only in case of infringement on the officially established flag and coat of arms of a foreign state is substantiated. In addition, it is advisable to introduce administrative liability for infringement on state symbols.

Key words: responsibility, legal liability, criminal liability, administrative liability, state symbols.

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