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Law and Justice in Thirteenth-Century Castile

Joshua Reed

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Published in Alfonso X The Justinian Of His Age: Law And Justice In Thirteenth Century Castile

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The legal system of thirteenth-century Castile was a complex and evolving body of laws and procedures that governed the lives of all inhabitants of the kingdom. The sources of law were diverse, including royal decrees, customary law, and canon law. The structure of the courts was hierarchical, with local courts handling minor cases and appellate courts handling more serious cases. The treatment of different social groups varied depending on their status, with nobles and clergy enjoying greater privileges than commoners.

Alfonso X, the Justinian of His Age: Law and Justice in Thirteenth-Century Castile

by Joseph F. O'Callaghan

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Sources of Law

The most important source of law in thirteenth-century Castile was royal decrees, known as fueros. Fueros were issued by the king and had the force of law throughout the kingdom. They covered a wide range of topics, including criminal law, property law, and procedural law.

Customary law was another important source of law in thirteenth-century Castile. Customary law was based on the unwritten customs and practices of a particular locality. It was often used to supplement or interpret royal decrees.

Canon law was also an important source of law in thirteenth-century Castile. Canon law was the law of the Catholic Church, and it governed matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

Structure of the Courts

The structure of the courts in thirteenth-century Castile was hierarchical. The lowest level of courts were the local courts, known as concejos. Concejos were responsible for handling minor cases, such as petty crimes and disputes between neighbors.

Appeals from the concejos were heard by the royal courts, known as audiencias. Audiencias were located in major cities throughout the kingdom. They were responsible for handling more serious cases, such as murder, treason, and heresy.

The highest court in the kingdom was the Royal Council. The Royal Council was composed of the king's closest advisors and was responsible for advising the king on legal matters and hearing appeals from the audiencias.

Treatment of Different Social Groups

The treatment of different social groups in thirteenth-century Castile varied depending on their status. Nobles and clergy enjoyed greater privileges than commoners.

Nobles were exempt from certain taxes and could not be arrested or imprisoned without the king's permission. They also had the right to bear arms and to administer justice on their own estates.

The clergy were also exempt from certain taxes and could not be arrested or imprisoned without the permission of the Church. They also had the right to administer justice on Church property.

Commoners had fewer rights and privileges than nobles and clergy. They were subject to all taxes and could be arrested or imprisoned at the discretion of the authorities. They also did not have the right to bear arms or to administer justice.

**Image Descriptions:**

* **Image 1:** A portrait of King Alfonso X, who was responsible for issuing some of the most important legal codes in thirteenth-century Castile. * **Image 2:** A depiction of a royal court in thirteenth-century Castile. * **Image 3:** A representation of the different social groups in thirteenth-century Castile, including nobles, clergy, and commoners.

Alfonso X, the Justinian of His Age: Law and Justice in Thirteenth-Century Castile

by Joseph F. O'Callaghan

5 out of 5