Brätte Town Court Book

The main source of knowledge about the private lives of Brätte residents are the court books that describe the council's court cases. They usually concern disputes regarding inheritance, land and trade, but also theft, violence and insults. Some came to court to get a certificate that they were honorable people. Particularly shameful were cases of infidelity, premarital sex and sex with a widow.

Legal certainty was important and investigations with witnesses were handled carefully with regard to mitigating circumstances. The influence of the church on legislation was great and in the case of serious crimes, sentences were given according to the Law of Moses of the Bible. Death sentences were always to be decided by the Court of Appeal. Punishment by disgrace, public flogging and banishment occurred, but the most common punishment was a fine.