What judicial tribunal was created in New Spain in 1719?

The Real Tribunal de la Acordada was created in 1719 to fight the highway robbery and rural banditry that plagued the roads of New Spain. Its mounted judges could pursue, try and punish bandits on the spot, a swift form of justice that made the tribunal both feared and effective.

Its name comes from the ‘acuerdo’ (resolution) of the Real Audiencia that authorized it. Don’t confuse it with the Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition, which judged religious offenses.