The Court Linden in Schönau

The judicial linden tree still stands between the Catholic Church and the town hall, a sign commemorates the trial against Michael Böhler. The linden tree as a place for holding a public court hearing with judges, prosecutors, advocates of the sinner, clerks and the people was no accident: Large trees provided natural protection for the open-air trials in other cities - and the linden tree was used as a court tree especially popular as it grew fast and large. Allegedly, it also protected against lightning during thunderstorms. And last but not least, it can be centuries old.

Schönau's judicial linden tree used to play an important role.
The Schönau city chronicle writes: "This court session, which was held in a public place under the old linden tree, had a shocking effect in its presentation and dramatic development, until the bell of the poor sinners from the tower called the delinquent to the execution block and his head fell". Incidentally, the last execution victim in Schönau was on January 25, 1749 on the gallows. The only offense committed by Jakob Wältin from Karsau: he had stolen from a shopkeeper in Neuchâtel and was caught in Aitern. The Schönau court was responsible for the criminal offenses of theft, murder, grievous bodily harm and debts - the "high or maleficent court" was in the hands of the Vogt as the representative of the Austrian sovereign.

I have often passed by, but have never paid attention to the lime tree.

The courthouse lime tree in Schönau was the final stop for thieves and murderers. A sign on the line that still stands today between the town hall and the church commemorates the final trial.