The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality

Kristović, Katija

doi:10.65342/door.2.1.5

DOOR, Vol. 2. No. 1., 2026.

Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.65342/door.2.1.5

The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality

Katija Kristović orcid.org/0009-0004-2012-880X

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cite

APA 6th Edition

Kristović, K. (2026). The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality. Državno odvjetništvo otvara razgovor, 2. (1.). https://doi.org/10.65342/door.2.1.5

MLA 8th Edition

Kristović, Katija. "The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality." Državno odvjetništvo otvara razgovor, vol. 2., no. 1., 2026 https://doi.org/10.65342/door.2.1.5. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

Chicago 17th Edition

Harvard

Kristović, K. (2026). 'The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality', Državno odvjetništvo otvara razgovor, 2.(1.). https://doi.org/10.65342/door.2.1.5

Vancouver

Kristović K. The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality. Državno odvjetništvo otvara razgovor [Internet]. 2026 [cited 2026 August 16];2.(1.). https://doi.org/10.65342/door.2.1.5

IEEE

K. Kristović, "The Penal Justice System of the Republic of Dubrovnik (1272–1808): Between Normative Order and Social Inequality", Državno odvjetništvo otvara razgovor, vol.2., no. 1., 2026. [Online]. https://doi.org/10.65342/door.2.1.5

Abstract

The Republic of Dubrovnik developed a complex legal system that regulated the lives of its citizens throughout the Middle Ages. The fundamental legal source was the Dubrovnik Statute of 1272, with customary law also playing a significant role. The system encompassed various spheres of social life, including governance, the judiciary, family and property relations, and criminal law. Particular attention was devoted to proceedings against perpetrators of criminal offences and the organisation of the courts. Legal rules and customs together shaped the administration of justice, influencing the everyday lives of citizens and the functioning of society.
The aim of this paper is to provide a concise overview of the criminal law system in the Republic of Dubrovnik up to its dissolution in 1808, with an emphasis on the structure of judicial authority, the course of criminal proceedings, and specific criminal provisions of the Dubrovnik Statute and judicial practice.