Guild Court and Administration of Justice of the Bulgarian Guild Organizations during the Period of the Ottoman Rule

In the guild organizations, the first master, the guild council and the general assembly (lodge) had powers in the field of justice. In relation to the journeymen and apprentices working in the shop, the master-owner had such judicial powers. In some cases, it was possible to convene a special guild court, which was composed of more prominent and enlightened masters, to resolve the disputed issues. In rare cases, in the case of a serious crime or disobedience on the part of the guild, the matter referred to the Turkish authorities. The Ottoman authorities respected and honoured the decisions of the guild organizations. When it was referred to a guild dispute as the next instance, it usually confirmed the decision made by the guild body.