Justice

Abstract

In Austria the ordinary judicial authorities were: (i) The Supreme Court of Justice and Court of Cassation (Oberste Gerichts-und Kassationshof) in Vienna: (ii) The higher provincial courts (Oberlandesgerichte). (iii) The provincial and district courts (Landes-und Kreisgerichte) and, in connection with these, the jury courts (Geschworenengerichte). (iv) The county courts (Bezirksgeriehte). Of these, the third and fourth groups were courts of first instance; the second group consisted of courts of second instance. Courts of first instance acted as courts of inquiry and had summary jurisdiction. Courts of second instance were courts of appeal from the lower courts, and had the supervision of the criminal courts in their jurisdiction. The jury courts tried certain cases where severe penalties were involved, political offences, and press offences. The county courts exercised criminal jurisdiction in the counties and co-operated in preliminary proceedings regarding crime.