The Court of Appeal in the first stage of its activity (from the mid-16th century to the early 17th century)

Previous research of the Court of Appeals made in the past focused primarily on personnel matters. The authors focused on the appeals judgements occasionally. This is the reason why any significant progress in historical research in areas such as procedural matters, the definition and enforcement powers or the application of law didn't result. This thesis has the ambition to fill this empty space, at least partially. The aim of the dissertation is to provide a comprehensive picture of the Court of Appeals in the Czech lands from its foundation in 1548 to the early 17th century. This period represents a compact stage of development, when the status, authority and personnel structure are formatted and above all the shaping of decision-making and procedural practice occurs. Dissertation devotes most attention to appellate procedures. It shows what the role of Court of Appeals itself, of the lower courts and of litigant was. It examines in detail the various procedural aspects. It pays attention on how the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals was accepted by royal and other towns in Bohemia and how the Court asserted towards other courts. It also mentions developments in other lands of the Czech Crown. The main subject of the research are the judgements of the Court of Appeals and normative sources..