Riječki primer razvoja propisa o trgovini i formi trgovačkog organiziranja do kraja 18. veka

Abstract

The author researches the legal history aspect of the evolution of business activities and the influence of the state on the development of different forms of business activities. Besides referring to some examples from the Antiquity, the author analyzes medieval forms of business, particularly in maritime affairs at the Adriatic area. They were developed without special influence of public authorities, through business practices and trade usages. At the Croatian hinterland, the influence of the sovereign as the bearer of public authority upon the development of economy is reflected in the Golden Bull of 1242, an edict issued to Gradec (part of today's Zagreb). The Statute of Rijeka from the year 1530 contains additional commercial norms that bear witness about a tendency of local authorities to ensure safety of business transactions and quick judicial resolution of disputes between merchants and shippers. In 1717, Emperor Charles VI proclaimed the freedom of navigation at the Adriatic Sea. Thus, Rijeka and Trieste became porto franco, which was a new incentive for commercial growth, particularly in maritime affairs. During the 18th century, the sovereigns embarked on a series of administrative and economic reforms which were accompanied by establishing merchandise companies, rudimental joint stock companies involved in different activities, and a growing number of individual merchants.