Help interpreting a job title
I'm working on Johann von Oberkamp (GH6H-8DL). I have a couple of references referring to him as an "RKG-advokat" (RKG is referring to the Reichskammergericht, the German Imperial Court, which was located in Speyer, Bayern during Johann's life). I'm thinking that "advokat" refers to a sort of lawyer or attorney, but I'm not sure.
Additionally, I have a source that think could list Johann, but I'm not sure. It's at this link: https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/571044?availability=Family%20History%20Library
It sounds like the book is listing employees of this court in Speyer. Would Johann be considered an employee, seeing as he was a lawyer? Were lawyers more independent as they are the in the United States or were they hired by the court? I'm looking during the early to mid-1600s.
Thanks for any help!
Cody Bailey
최고 답변
-
Hello Cody,
I searched the internet and found a doctoral thesis which contains a description of the function of the "Advokats" at the RKG (translated from German):
The Reichskammergericht (Imperial Chamber Court) had its seat in Wetzlar from 1693 to 1806. During this entire period, more than 200 advocates and procurators were admitted there. The procurator represented the party as its authorized representative in court and was admitted there to make and receive declarations and documents. The advocate, who was not authorized to represent the party in court, advised the party in and out of court, received the subject matter of the dispute from the party and translated it into pleadings. The Advokatur was usually a preliminary stage to the more lucrative Prokuratur, to which the transition usually took place after three to seven, in the late 18th century often only after ten to twelve years of Advokat activity. The advocates admitted to the Imperial Chamber Court were, like the procurators, cameral persons and candidates for procuratorial positions that would soon become vacant.
Although this definition describes a slightly later period of time, I would assume that it was similar in the mid-1600s. I understand from this definition that Advokats were lower level lawyers attached to the court who prepared the subject matter for the court hearing but did not represent the party in court (this was the task of the "Prokurators"). They were "cameral persons" meaning that they had an official function and entitled to some sort of compensation.
There is a "Society for Imperial Chamber Court Research" (click on "English" in the top banner) that possibly can provide you with more detailed information.
0
답변들
-
Okay - thank you so much for your time and the very helpful information!
Have a great day!
0