What is vehme?

The Vehme or Freis germaniae tribunale sancti was a secret society that existed in Westphalia and other parts of Germany in the late medieval period. Its origins are unclear, but it was likely formed in the 13th century as a reaction to the weakness of secular and ecclesiastical authority in Germany.

The Vehme was a vigilante organization that claimed the right to judge and punish criminals who had escaped justice or were beyond the reach of the law. Its members were bound by an oath of secrecy, and the organization operated outside of the established legal system.

The Vehme's trials were conducted in secret and often resulted in the punishment of the accused without a fair trial or the opportunity to defend themselves. The punishments included fines, imprisonment, or even death. The Vehme was feared for its harsh and often arbitrary justice, and its members enjoyed a level of immunity from prosecution for their actions.

The Vehme declined in the 16th century as centralized government and the rule of law became stronger in Germany. Its legacy lives on in popular culture, where it is often depicted as a mysterious and sinister organization.