Hakem

Capitano della Verga (Captain of the Rod)

A medieval title used in Malta before the advent of the Order of St John. The Hakem had a threefold function: he was Governor of Mdina, then the capital city of Malta, he was head of the militia or dejma (military forces) and High Judge with jurisdiction over all courts on the island of Malta, apart from the city and port of Birgu, which was in the province of the Castellano.