Audiencia

/ɔːdiˈɛnθiə/ noun

Definition

A high court of justice established in Spanish colonial territories, or a public hearing or audience with a ruler.

Etymology

From Spanish 'audiencia' derived from Latin 'audientia' (hearing, audience) from 'audire' (to hear). Used in Spanish colonial administration for both courts and formal audiences.

Kelly Says

Spanish conquistadors brought this legal structure to the Americas, creating an entire parallel legal system that blended European law with colonial power—shaping legal systems that still exist today.

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