Site of the free court in Assinghausen (in use from latest 1297 to 1808)

Free courts (vehmic courts) have existed since Germanic times, especially in Westphalia.
The free court always met at a specific location. Under the chairmanship of the free earl, the aldermen administered justice in the presence of all the freemen.
The court dealt with murder, theft, arson, fornication, treason and heresy, among other things.
Originally, only the death penalty was known, which was carried out by the bailiff or the aldermen, but later other punishments were also used.

Assinghausen – Revision eines Todesurteils am Freistuhl
https://privatarchiv.rzgierskopp.de/1990/07/assinghausen-revision-eines-todesurteils-am-freistuhl/

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