In the 18th century Danish estate owners were an integral part of the absolute monarchy’s judicial system. The owners of Clausholm held the right of jurisdiction within the estate lands and played an active role in the administration of justice: for example, as prosecutor and fines collector in criminal cases. This article shows how the estate owners’ independent room for manoeuvre in the judicial system was deployed both for demonstration of power and for distribution of mercy to the residents of Clausholm.
GALLERY
