Ku ustanowieniu sądu ultimae instantiae. Laudum sejmiku województwa podlaskiego z 1577 r.

Presented in a historical context, the document of 1577 reflects last phase nobility’s drive to establish supreme court. Previously, court was prerogative king, who examined cases from across state during sessions diet. This inefficient. The ever-increasing backlog pending appeals caused dissatisfaction among nobility. Disputes and discussions revolved around its form (central authority – Tribunal, or decentralized ultimae instantiae courts), composition method selecting judges, as well scope authority. Podlasie province, newly incorporated (in 1569) into Polish Crown, participated process, uniting forces with Sandomierz Lublin provinces at forefront battle for appeal. court, described document, treated temporary institution. Also, it intended way put pressure on king parliament central In course these activities, nobility led consolidation fourth assembly (Polish: sejmik), provincial one addition existing three assemblies sejmiki ziemskie,). 1578 Sejm resolution establishment Crown Court met claims province (as other provinces) stated document. established. At same time, this decision stabilization operation Podlasie. Its main function annual election judges Tribunal. is testimony political maturity high standards legal decorum