Although today the term “Mexico” is associated with the modern country, during the 16th century it referred only to Mexico City (Mexico-Tenochtitlan), capital of the viceroyalty. Therefore, when we speak of the Real Audiencia de México, we are referring to a court that had its seat in that city, and not to an institution that covered the entire current national territory. This precision is important to understand the context in which this institution arose and operated.
Officially known as the Royal Court of Mexico, this institution was headquartered in Mexico City and was one of the key structures of the viceregal apparatus of the Catholic monarchy. Although it was born as a superior court of justice, it soon acquired political and administrative functions that placed it at the center of disputes over power. Its role throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was as indispensable as it was conflictive.
Origin and functions of the Real Audiencia de México
The Royal Court of Mexico was established in 1527, even before the arrival of the first viceroy. Its creation responded to the need to exercise justice on behalf of the king and to regulate the excesses of the peninsular actors who had participated in the military journey against the Mexica lordship (commonly known as the conquest period). Although it originally acted only as a tribunal, it soon became a multifunctional institution.
Among its attributions were:
- To judge civil and criminal cases in the second instance.
- Supervise officials and corregidores.
- Ensure the treatment of indigenous peoples.
- To act as a collegiate governing body in the absence of the viceroy.
Governing audiences: when oidores took command
When there was no acting viceroy, the oidores of the Real Audiencia assumed control of the viceroyalty. This stage was known as the “governing audience”. In these periods, the court not only dispensed justice, but also directed the administration, organized the collection of taxes and issued governmental orders.
Some of these efforts were stable, but others caused internal divisions and even corruption, which led the Crown to send visitadores to evaluate the performance of the oidores.
Tensions with the Viceroy and with other institutions
Although in theory the viceroy presided over the Real Audiencia, in practice there was constant friction. Some oidores resisted obeying certain orders from the viceroy, appealed directly to the Council of the Indies or sought to increase their autonomy. These tensions reflected the fragile relationship between the executive and the judiciary within the viceregal model.
In addition, the audiencia had confrontations with members of the high clergy, urban cabildos and other peninsular authorities, which reveals the complex network of interests that coexisted in the administration of New Spain.
Oversight from the mainland: the Council of the Indies
The Council of the Indies, located on the Iberian Peninsula, was the institution that supervised both the viceroy and the Royal Audience. This council received reports, complaints and judgments of residence, and had the authority to dismiss, reward or punish any viceregal official. This supervision was fundamental to maintain a balance of power and prevent any local authority from becoming autonomous or abusive.
Conclusion on the Royal Court of Mexico
The Royal Court of Mexico was much more than a judicial tribunal: it was a political actor of the first order in the viceregal government. Its ability to govern in the absence of the viceroy, supervise officials and participate in the most important decisions of the viceroyalty made it a strategic player. However, that same concentration of power generated conflicts, rivalries and constant surveillance from the peninsula. Understanding its role is essential to understanding the balance of power in the viceregal structure of New Spain.
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