Spanish Colonial Law

Spanish Colonial Law was the legal system implemented in territories controlled by Spain from the 15th to the early 19th century. It combined local customs with Spanish legal principles, emphasizing Catholic influence, aristocratic privileges, and centralized authority. The laws aimed to regulate land, commerce, and social order, often prioritizing the interests of the Spanish Crown and settlers. This legal framework shaped social hierarchies and governance in colonies like Latin America and the Philippines, leaving a lasting impact on their legal and administrative systems after independence.