Pronunciation: [vˈe͡ɪm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Vehme" is derived from its German origin, "Feme". The IPA phonetic transcription for "Vehme" would be /ˈfɛmə/. The letter "v" in the spelling is a replacement for the German letter "f". The combination of the letters "h" and "m" creates the "m" sound. The "e" at the end is silent and is used to make the "m" sound more clear. "Vehme" refers to the medieval German court system, also known as the "Fehmic Court".
Vehme refers to a historical secret tribunal or court system that existed in medieval and early modern Germany. It originated in Westphalia during the 14th century and spread to various regions, including the Rhineland and the Harz Mountains. The term "Vehme" is derived from the Old High German word "Feme," which means "judgment" or "verdict." The Vehme was also known as the "Holy Vehme," "Vehmic Court," or the "Vehmic League."
The Vehme operated under a system of secrecy and anonymity, and its proceedings were conducted by members who were known as "Free Judges" or "Vehmgerichte." These judges were considered to be representatives of the emperor and held judicial powers, often functioning outside the established legal system. The Vehme's jurisdiction included matters of treason, murder, theft, and other serious crimes.
The structure of the Vehme was hierarchical, with a grand master presiding over the regional courts. These regional courts had jurisdiction over their respective territories and were responsible for organizing local lodges. The members of the Vehme were bound by strict oaths of secrecy and were guided by a code of conduct called the "Landfrieden," which aimed to maintain peace and order.
The Vehme gained a reputation for its swift and efficient proceedings, often associated with vigilante justice. Despite not being officially recognized by the state authorities, it maintained significant influence, and its decisions were generally upheld. The Vehme declined in power and importance during the 16th century and eventually ceased to exist as a functioning institution by the 17th century. Today, the concept of the Vehme is primarily of historical interest, serving as a symbol of medieval
The word "Vehme" is derived from the German term "Feme" or "Fehme", which originally meant "judgment" or "verdict". The term can be traced back to the medieval courts of law in Westphalia, Germany, known as the "Fehmgericht". The Fehmgericht was a secret and extrajudicial court system in the Middle Ages, handling cases such as treason, heresy, and other serious crimes that were deemed beyond the reach of regular courts. The judges in these courts were known as "Vögte", and the entire organization became known as the "Fehmgerichtsverfassung". Over time, the term "Vehme" or "Vehm" became associated with this secretive and powerful court system.
