Occupation Types
Description
A magistrate. Starting in 1653, with the establishment of a court of justice in New Amsterdam, schepenen assisted the burgemeesters in the administration of justice in civil cases involving less than one hundred guilders, in minor criminal cases, and in cases where arbitration was thought likely to bring about resolution. After 1656 they were allowed to deal with all criminal offenses except murder. Both burgemeesters and schepenen handled issues of economic affairs, public works, education, and defense.
This was a part time, paid position.