Just like today, Sweden was divided into administrative provinces during the Middle Ages. These were called "landskap" (provinces) and "härader", (hundreds). Every hundred had a District Court which was led by a Chief Judge. During its sessions, the Court made decisions on matters which were important to the people of the district in question.
These sessions were held more or less frequently in the various hundreds. The law of Magnus Eriksson called for one session to be held every week during the so-called court periods. Towards the end of the Middle Ages, though, they were usually held only three times a year.
A Chief Judge was a very prominent person. The King was supposed to make a choice from three candidates put forward by the hundred. However, the King did not always follow the advice of the hundred. Often he would choose someone who was close to him - a councillor or a nobleman for example.