FEHMGERICHT Meaning and
Definition
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Fehmgericht is a German term referring to a historical institution or court system that existed during the Middle Ages. The term is often translated as "secret court" or "vendetta court." Fehmgerichts were primarily found in regions of northern Germany, especially Westphalia.
In essence, Fehmgerichts were secretive and unofficial courts that operated outside of the formal legal system. They primarily dealt with matters related to private justice, settling disputes, and maintaining law and order within the community. The courts were composed of respected and influential members of the community known as "Fehmrichter" who acted as judges, often with the assistance of lay jurors.
Fehmgerichts developed a reputation for their clandestine practices, which included holding their proceedings in secret locations and conducting trials during nighttime. They were known for the swift administration of justice, and their sentences often involved severe punishments, including exile, mutilation, or death.
The main purpose of Fehmgerichts was to maintain peace and order in areas where the formal legal institutions were ineffectual or nonexistent. They provided a means for resolving conflicts and dispensing justice when traditional courts were unable to do so. However, as they operated outside the established legal framework, their decisions and practices were often subject to controversy and criticism.
Today, Fehmgerichts are mostly viewed as relics of the past and are primarily studied as historical and cultural phenomena, offering valuable insights into the legal and social structures of medieval Germany.
Common Misspellings for FEHMGERICHT
- dehmgericht
- cehmgericht
- vehmgericht
- gehmgericht
- tehmgericht
- rehmgericht
- fwhmgericht
- fshmgericht
- fdhmgericht
- frhmgericht
- f4hmgericht
- f3hmgericht
- fegmgericht
- febmgericht
- fenmgericht
- fejmgericht
- feumgericht
- feymgericht
- fehngericht
- fehkgericht
Etymology of FEHMGERICHT
The word "Fehmgericht" has German origins and is derived from the combination of two words: "Fehm" and "Gericht".
1. "Fehm" refers to the "Fehme" (also known as the "Fehmgericht"), which was a secret and selective medieval criminal court system in Germany. The Fehme operated from the 13th to the 19th centuries and was known for its strict code of justice and harsh punishments. Its name is believed to come from the Old High German word "feme" or "flob" meaning "judgment" or "freedom" respectively.
2. "Gericht" is a common German word meaning "court" or "judgment".
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