Hof- og Stadsretten

File:Forordning om Hof og Stadsretten 1770.jpg

{{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} was a modern-style court of justice introduced in Denmark, specifically for Copenhagen, by Johann Friedrich Struensee in 1771. In 1805, it was merged with the new {{Lang|da|Landsoverret}} for Eastern Denmark as {{Lang|da|Den kongelige Landsoverret samt Hof- og Stadsret}}. It was replaced by the Københavns Byret and Østre Landsret in 1919.

History

Instigated by Struensee and the {{lang|da|overpræsident}} in Copenhagen, Ulrik Adolf Holstein (1731–1789), {{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} was created in an attempt to rationalize the chaotic Danish court system. It was formally established by royal charter of 15 June 1771. Henrik Stampe was active in its practical implementation. It replaced {{Lang|da|Københavns Byting}}, {{Lang|da|Københavns Rådstueret}} (aka {{Lang|da|Rådstueret}}), {{Lang|da|Politi- og Kommercekollegiet}}, {{Lang|da|Borgretten}}, {{Lang|da|Hofretten}} and Tamperretten.{{cite web|url=https://denstoredanske.lex.dk/Hof-_og_Stadsretten|title=Hof- og Stadsretten|language=Danish|website=lex.dk|access-date=12 June 2021}}

In 1805, Denmark's four existing {{Lang|da|landsting}} in Ringsted, Maribo, Odense and Viborg were replaced by two {{Lang|da|landsoverretter}}. One of them was placed in Viborg and the other one was associated with {{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}}, which was from then on known as {{Lang|da|Den Kgl. Landsover- samt Hof- og Stadsret i København}}. With the adoption of {{Lang|da|Retsplejeloven}} in 1919, it was replaced by {{Lang|da|Københavns Byret}} and {{Lang|da|Østre Landsret}}.

Location

The initial plan was for {{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} to be based in Copenhagen City Hall. When it proved impossible to find the necessary space, {{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} was instead referred to rented premises in the Plessen Mansion. In 1774, after these premises had also proven too small, a building was acquired on Østergade. In 1816, {{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} relocated to the new City Hall on Nytorv.{{cite web|url=https://slaegtsbibliotek.dk/905051.pdf|title=Københavnske Politi- og Domsmyndigheder|language=Danish|website=slaegtsbibliotek.dk|access-date=12 June 2021}}

Organization

{{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} introduced new principles to the Danish court system, especially by being divided into separate investigative and judicial departments. Each of the judicial divisions had five judges on a fixed salary, who were banned from holding other administrative offices.

People

File:Frederik Horn.jpg

The key people associated with {{Lang|da|Hof- og Stadsretten}} are listed below.

=Presidents=

(1771–1781) Frederik Horn{{cite web|url=https://biografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Frederik_Horn|title=Frederik Horn|language=Danish|website=Dansk Biografisk Leksikon|access-date=12 June 2021}}
(1771–1788) Anker Andreas Suhm
(1788–1789) Oluf Lundt Bang
(1789–1798) Enevold Berregaard Fogh
(1798–1805) Carl Vigand Falbe