Royal audience of Santo Domingo

The Royal Audience of Santo Domingo was a judicial and administrative body established by Spain in the early 16th century to govern its colonies in the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America. Based in Santo Domingo, it served as a high court authority, overseeing legal matters, administration, and ensuring royal policies were implemented. It was one of the first institutions representing royal authority outside of Spain, helping maintain order and governance across Spain’s rapidly expanding New World territories.