Audiencia

Justice was administered through audiencias, or royal courts. Their judges were independent of the viceroys, so a viceroy did not personally control every part of government. Together, governors and courts provided institutions through which Spain could turn conquest into more organised colonial rule.

In 1528, the Crown established the First Audiencia, a royal court with governing powers, headed by Nuño de Guzmán. It was intended to strengthen royal government and reduce conquistador dominance. However, its members themselves became associated with corruption, arbitrary decisions and abuse.