Do dukes and earls have courts similar to the kings and queens? How do they work?

Question

Do dukes and earls have courts similar to the kings and queens? How do they work?

Answer 1

During the middle ages, there was only one court, and that is the royal court (noble court). The royal court was used as an instrument of government broader than a court of justice, comprises an extended household centred on a patron whose rule may govern law or be governed by it. A Royal Household is the highest ranking example of this. A regent or viceroy may hold court during the minority or absence of a hereditary ruler, and even an elected head of state may develop a court-like entourage of unofficial, personally-chosen advisors and "companions." The English and French word "companion" connotes a "sharer of the bread" at table, and indeed the court is an extension of the great individual's household.

Answer 2

They have similar, smaller courts.

Answer 3

Yes, they do and the function comes in much the same way as a royal court. The court then served a function that it still serves today. While holding court, not only would the local ruler entertain and make deals, but he would also hear the troubles of his people (mandate of rulership states that a ruler is only given power by the people's willingness to follow, which dissolves when they are no longer keeping the peace, etc.), and help settle disputes.