The development of the civil authorities

The privileges granted to the city by Rudolph II and Ferdinand III of Habsburg enabled the development of crafts and trade in Karlovac. Following Maria Theresa’s decision of 1763, the city obtained the right to a Magistrate – its own city council and the status of a privileged military community. Up until then, the military and civil office in Karlovac was held by the town’s commander in chief, whereas now the City council was the Magistrate which consisted of 6 councillors called senators or seniors among which a chief senator and a judicial reporter had to be appointed.