Engehausen, Frank
Die Alte Aula der Universität Heidelberg
The Great Hall of the Old University building is the ceremonial hall and heart of Heidelberg University. With the aid of allegories and metaphors, it illustrates the history and self-image of the oldest university in modern-day Germany. Originally built in the baroque style, it was remodelled completely on the occasion of the University’s 500th anniversary. The magnificent room donated by the Grand Duke of Baden is one of the few ensembles of the Karlsruhe School of Woodcutting that remains intact; it is used primarily for academic events such as inaugural lectures of newly appointed professors or graduation ceremonies. But the Great Hall is also a place for public concerts and presentations to which the venerable surroundings lend a particular splendour.
Heinrich Zoepfl (1807–1877): Heidelberger Universitätsprofessor und Rechtsgutachter
Heinrich Zoepfl (1807-1877), Heidelberg Professor of Legal History and Constitutional Law, was active in the turbulent times of the "Vormärz", the "German Revolution" of Gutachten and the foundation of the German Reich in 1870/71. He took an active part in all events, both in the lecture hall and through his writings, in the First Baden Chamber and in the Erfurt Union Parliament, as well as through widespread activity as an expert. As such, he advised the government in Karlsruhe, those affected by political repression, cities, parliaments and individuals, but especially numerous "mediatized" aristocratic houses, which not only had to cope with their loss of political power, but also had to solve many internal legal issues. Zoepfl was always involved as an expert on aristocratic professional law.
For the first time, this volume presents a list of Zoepfls' unprinted and printed expert reports, commission reports, and works that can be found in Heidelberg University Library. Biographical details and an appreciation of his textbooks are followed by critiques of selected expert opinions, and historical outlines of the political situation in Zoepfl's lifetime.
