Delegation of Authority in the 12th Century

The System of Untervogtei

Abstract

By using the institute of untervogtei as an example the article examines in what manner authority was delegated in the 12th century. According to Heinrich Popitz, delegation of authority is understood as an element of depersonalization, and is thus an indicator of the concentration of power. By transferring only a part of their tasks and jurisdiction to those authorized to legally represent ecclesiastical institutions in secular matters, ecclesiastical advocates were able to successfully employ the institute of untervogtei in order to further extend their power. They also relied on appointment mechanism which considerably hindered the prospect of emancipation of such legal representatives.