An audiencia began as a judicial institution in medieval Spain, but in the 16th century, it was applied as the highest form of local government in key cities of the Spanish Empire. An audiencia had a panel of judges made responsible for the political administration of a city and certain criminal and civil legal matters concerning both settlers and indigenous peoples.
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Definition
Timeline
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1511The audiencia is formed in Santo Domingo, the first in the Spanish empire.
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1527The audiencia is formed in Mexico City (formerly Tenochtitlan).
