Etteütlemine

Etteütlemine refers to a traditional Estonian process of interrogation or examination, used to verify the guilt or innocence of a person accused of a crime. This practice dates back to centuries past and was often performed by a community elder or a representative of the local government.

In etteütlemine, the accused party would be subjected to a thorough questioning about their actions and any potential evidence relevant to the alleged crime. The process was typically conducted in a public setting, where the accused and the interrogator would engage in a dialogue-like exchange. The goal was to ensure that the accused person was not aware of any details that could implicate them further in the crime.

Etteütlemine was an integral part of the ancient Estonian justice system, aiming to establish the veracity of the allegations and serve as a basis for further actions. The effects of the interrogation process were not limited to the immediate case at hand. The judgment on the accused's guilt or innocence could also impact their social standing within the community.

While etteütlemine has gradual phased out with the introduction of modern formal legal systems, remnants of this practice still exist in modern Estonian folklore and oral traditions. It is a pivotal example of how justice has been meted in various cultures throughout history.