A baljuw [bailiff] was an official who represented the ruler of the region and had the highest jurisdiction. They usually received a fixed salary and a share of the fines. Other terms for this function are drost or drossaard.
Baljuws were appointed by the ruler. You can sometimes find these appointments in the records created by the ruler, such as the lord of a domain or the count or duke of the province.
Baljuw selling a cow, 1613. Credits: Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo, collection Rijksmuseum (public domain)
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