The German word Gerichtsbote, widespread since the mid-14th century, indicates lower-level court personnel (Judiciary); it derives from the terms Büttel (Beadle)and Fronbote (assistants a judge might call upon during certain judicial proceedings), which were used as synonyms in sources such as the Sachsenspiegel (ca. 1225). The tasks performed by the Gerichtsbote included announcing (fürbieten) the convening of court (Trial procedure), serving notice of lawsu…