Landgericht#

Landgericht: in Austria, a high court which was originally called Grafschaftsgericht (county court) and later "Landtaiding", had comprehensive powers in civil and criminal law matters for all people in an administrative district. It was later replaced by the lower Landgericht, which was in charge of severe crimes (larceny, manslaughter and rape were crimes punishable by death) for the majority of the citizens. The Landgericht was divided into smaller administrative districts in the 16th century and was sold to landlords (a map of all Landgerichte has been drawn by the Austrian Academy of Sciences). For the nobility and clergy (in secular matters) there were the "Landschranne" and "Hoftaiding" as personal courts of the sovereign. These courts had the right to expel persons from the nobility for severe offences. This form of administration of justice was valid until 1848, when the court reform by Joseph II came into force.