The guardian – as the highest representative of the archepiscopal territorial lord – was the first to enter the “Schranne” and take a seat. Around him and outside the barriers, the common folk would assemble. The latter would then appoint one or two legal observers, also called “Rügatmänner”. The Rügatmänner would sit on the benches and appoint a spokesman from their midst. A bailiff (= court constable) would check whether all those summoned were present and would report to the guardian, who then officially opened the proceedings as the chair.
The fines were split between the bailiff and the guardian
First, the spokesman had to answer pointed questions by the guardian in order to remind those in attendance of the legal provisions which were passed down by word of mouth.
Then, the names of those farmers who were behind with paying their taxes and dues would be called. After these proceedings, other matters were addressed, such as planned farm ownership transfers, lease agreements, military service conscriptions, etc.
Of course, these legal disputes took up a lot of time: Anyone in attendance was permitted to ask questions, voice criticisms or bring an action. The key figure in reaching a verdict was the spokesman, not the guardian. The spokesman would suggest a verdict to the other Rügatmänner. If they agreed, the spokesman would also ask the others in attendance for their opinion and would only announce the verdict once they approved.
Anyone unable to pay was sentenced to so-called »Keichtage«
Where possible, the punishment took the shape of fines. The fines were split between the guardian and the bailiff. Anyone too poor to pay their fines was sentenced to so-called “Keichtage” – on bread and water. During such prison days, they would be incarcerated in the “Keiche” or in the prison at the Plötzhaus, among other places.
»Taidinge« were only abolished in 1848
Where malefactions were involved, the condemned were able to appeal to the guardian or to the manorial court in Salzburg. The Wartenfels guardian court also handed out death sentences and performed executions. An executioner would be sent from Salzburg to enforce the sentence. The “Taidinge” remained applicable law until 1816, when Salzburg joined Austria. They were only finally abolished in 1848.
Verwendete Quellen und Literatur:
Adrian,Karl: »Unser Salzburg«, Wien 1923.
Dopsch, Heinz/Spatzenegger, Hans (Hrsg.): »Geschichte Salzburgs«, Stadt und Land, Bd. I/2, Salzburg 1983.
Haas, Karl: »Thalgauer Heimatbuch«, 1. Aufl. Salzburg 1976.
Iglhauser, Bernhard: »Goldbrünnlein und Wettervogel«, Innsbruck 1994.
