Rhineland (Rheinland) Court Records

Brüchtenprotokolle
These are records regarding monetary fines, which was paid by the criminal to the justice of the peace which could be the sovereign which could also be an archbishop. In most cases the fine was paid for slander, but the Brüchteordnung (Chur- Cölnische Brüchteordung of 1616) also covered cases of physical injury and murder. In the 17th century slander could be fined quite heftily. The Krefeld court charged a fine of 300 Goldgulden or 1000 Taler. These were no minor punishments as many cases show where the offender fled or the transfer of the Kindteil (claim) was the last resort. Brüchtenprotokolle are also part of the historical record of a given area. For instance, the Brüchtenprotokolle of Amt Uerdingen give the historian a glimpse of everyday occurances, for instance the reserve duties of farmers are recorded, the names of Protestants in Uerdingen are listed. Details of being in the stocks aare given, stories of witchcraft, child abuse but also humorous incidents are recorded. The Family History Library has the Brüchtenprotokolle of the city and Amt Uerdingen from the 17th century. The call number is 943.42/C1 H2q v. 1.