keurrecht

The term "keurrecht" refers to a specific legal right within the historical context of the Low Countries. It was a right that towns fought to obtain, initially focused on regulating prices and standards in markets and shops. Over time, this right expanded to encompass civil and criminal law, granting towns significant legislative power.1

The Low Countries, during the period of 925 to around 1350, saw the rise of territorial principalities. These principalities, both secular and ecclesiastical, developed distinct economies, social structures, and cultures. The intrusion of the Burgundian dynasty later brought a degree of political unity, fostering commonalities that laid the groundwork for a shared national feeling, though this was not strong enough to prevent future partitions.1