Strengthening of the Audiencia of New Spain

Timeline

1. 1550–1553Mexico City · New SpainIn 1550 Luis de Velasco took office as governor of New Spain, and the Royal Audiencia of Mexico's authority in administration, judicial appeals, and adjudication of Indigenous affairs was consolidated, establishing a standing mechanism of mutual checks between the viceroy and the oidores (judges).
2. 1553–1557Zacatecas · ZacatecasWith the expansion of silver mining districts such as Zacatecas, the audiencia and viceregal government jointly strengthened mining-rights registration, collection of the royal quinto (fifth) tax, and adjudication of Indigenous community tribute; in the mid-1550s New Spain's silver output continued to rise and was incorporated into more systematic fiscal reporting.
3. 1556–1560Mexico City · New SpainAfter Philip II acceded in 1556, Madrid intervened more in the appointment of audiencia judges in Mexico and the adjudication of major cases; by the late 1550s the audiencia's authorization and supervisory functions in northern frontier expansion (such as toward Nueva Vizcaya) were further extended.