List of demands of the sixties

The list of demands of the sixties , a group of sixty citizens who ruled together with the Lüneburg council , was probably drawn up at the end of November 1454 and was addressed to the new council. In this catalog, the sixties called for more influence in various areas of public life in the city.

Limitation of the power of the council and increased control over finances and all decisions of the council that affected urban and rural areas should be achieved. To this end, the sixties demanded a general say, and in future their consent should always be necessary. They also called for a change in the composition of the Council; no relatives, people should be allowed to belong to him at the same time. New guidelines were also required for the election of mayors. Furthermore, the sixties wanted to ensure more legal security for citizens in the event of a trial. Arbitrariness should be prevented and unnecessary hardship prohibited. The sixties also imposed restrictions on the production of beer, one of the most important goods in the city of Lüneburg, in order to give everyone the same opportunities.

In summary, the catalog of demands can be described as the first step towards more fairness and equal treatment in public life in Lüneburg.

Legal security

As the basis of the case law, the sixties chose the principle that there could be no trial if there was no plaintiff. In addition, every defendant should have the opportunity to be defended before the judgment is made. No one should be evicted from the city while involved in a lawsuit. After the third negotiation, a decision had to be made and a process could not drag on for more than three months. Whoever lost the trial had to pay four shillings. Furthermore, people should not be locked up if they were able to buy their way out and if the dress code is violated, the person should not be brought to trial immediately, but the person should first be warned. Legal equality between Council officials and citizens should be ensured. It should be possible to contest the wedding and baptism for another four weeks.

literature

The "Prelate War" in the history of Lüneburg: Article from the sixties. Catalog of demands to the new council, probably drawn up at the end of November 1454.