The formation of the land court system in the Grand duchy of Lithuania (1564-1588)

Abstract

This article investigates the formation of the system of land courts in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the period between 1564 and 1588. This process was an integral part of the social and structural modernisation of the GDL in the second half of the sixteenth century. The powiat (district) land courts of the GDL were formally established between 1564 and 1566 in the aftermath of administrative and legal reforms. An analysis of the changes of the officials of land courts and their kinship relations has revealed the beginning of the formation of powiat land court officials as a specific group. The purpose of the land court reform was to formalise the equality of the entire ruling gentry 'nation' before the law. However, the magnate families of the GDL managed to preserve both their possessed wealth and high posts.