Munster

The article presents an overview of scientific works of German researchers of the XIX–XXI centuries, touching upon the problem of the origin of the hereditary citizens of Munster in the XVI–XVII centuries. Based on the analysis, we identified three directions of scientific research on the problem. The representatives of the first direction linked the origin of hereditary citizens with land ownership. The supporters of the second direction claim that the hereditary citizens originated from the ministeriales.

Based on the analysis of the preservedmaterials of the judicial and investigative cases the article examines the state of crime in Munster in XVII century. The author analyzes the structure of crime depending on the prevalence of acts in judicial practice, and also examines the socioprofessional composition of criminals.

Based on the analysis of the preserved materials of the judicial and investigative cases of Munster in the first half of the XVII century, the article identifies the features of the women’s crime in the city. It is shown that the main types of women’s crimes were witchcraft, infanticide, thefts. The state of the women’s crime was influenced by socio-demographic factors, as well as the lack of financial assistance and the social support from Munster’s authorities.