Their duty was likewise to conduct the examination of candidates claiming admittance to any guild and offering specimens of art or handiwork, to superintend the general affairs of the guilds and to regulate disputes.
There were also two important functionaries, representing the king in criminal and civil matters.

The Vicarius capitalis, Scultetus, Schout, Sheriff, or Margrave, took precedence of all magistrates.

His business was to superintend criminal arrests, trials, and executions.

The Vicarius civilis was called the Amman, and his office corresponded with that of the Podesta in the Frisian and Italian republics.

His duties were nearly similar, in civil, to those of his colleague, in criminal matters.
These four branches, with their functionaries and dependents, composed the commonwealth of Antwerp.