Justice by Insurance

More about the book

The book explores the establishment of the General Indian Court in New Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, a response to the legal and cultural conflicts arising from Spanish colonial rule. It details how Spanish judges interpreted native customs through a colonial lens, leading to extensive litigation by indigenous peoples. Woodrow Borah examines the court's case types, decisions, and policies, while also comparing it to other judicial structures. This study highlights the complexities of colonial legal systems and their impact on indigenous communities in Mexico.