Until the fifteenth century, the Saxon Hofgericht (court) was linked to the Electors and moved around the country as he did.
After 1529 it ceased to have authority over Wittenberg, which came under the jurisdiction of the newly established Electoral Circle (Kurkreis).
From 1493 until 1547, the Oberhofgericht met alternately in Leipzig and Altenburg and had authority over both Albertine and Ernestine lands.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, six of these seats belonged to the nobility, including the Oberhofgerichters, and six learned men (doctores) with the Professor of law at the University of Leipzig.
It was the court of first instance only for members of the Wettin princely house, schriftsässig lords of manors, universities, schriftsässig cities and the holders of important honours and offices, so only these people had direct access to the court.