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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 Landsoverret for Eastern Denmark as 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 overpræsident in Copenhagen, Ulrik Adolf Holstein (1731–1789), 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 Københavns Byting, Københavns Rådstueret (aka Rådstueret), Politi- og Kommercekollegiet, Borgretten, Hofretten and Tamperretten.^[1]

In 1805, Denmark's four existing landsting in Ringsted, Maribo, Odense and Viborg were replaced by two landsoverretter. One of them was placed in Viborg and the other one was associated with Hof- og Stadsretten, which was from then on known as Den Kgl. Landsover- samt Hof- og Stadsret i København. With the adoption of Retsplejeloven in 1919, it was replaced by Københavns Byret and Østre Landsret.^[1]

Location

The initial plan was for Hof- og Stadsretten to be based in Copenhagen City Hall. When it proved impossible to find the necessary space, 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, Hof- og Stadsretten relocated to the new City Hall on Nytorv.^[2]

Organization

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.^[1]