The "palatine" was the Hungarian (Austrian?) king's administrator of persons and institutions; he was responsible for the functioning of the Court, for its economy and internal order. From the 12th century onwards, the palatine was also a representative of the king in judicial affairs. He was the judge of all "free" persons, especially the judge of the nobles outside the capital. He was also the judge of the Jews. The position, with its enormous powers, was generally filled by leading members of the nobility.