May 20, 1631 – Sack of Magdeburg

The destruction of the city during the Thirty Years’ War by imperial troops under the command of Tilly was another and even greater turning point in the history of Magdeburg law. The archive of the lay judges’ bench also fell victim to the flames. De facto, this meant the virtual end of the tribunal of Magdeburg lay judges. Although isolated inquiries continued to be sent to Magdeburg, attempts to reestablish the lay judges’ bench failed.