Las Leyes de Indias

Las Leyes de Indias were a series of laws enacted by Spain from the late 15th century onward, designed to regulate the governance and treatment of indigenous peoples in its American colonies. Their aim was to protect indigenous rights, promote ethical colonization, and establish social order. The laws addressed land use, labor, and religious conversion, emphasizing humane treatment. While intentions varied and enforcement was inconsistent, these laws had a lasting impact on colonial administration, indigenous relations, and legal frameworks in Latin America, reflecting the complexities of Spanish colonial rule and its attempts to balance profit with moral obligations.