Tribunal de la Acordada

The Tribunal de la Acordada was created in New Spain in 1719 to fight banditry and highway robbery. Its judges traveled the territory and could pursue, try and punish offenders on the spot, a swift justice that made it greatly feared.

Its name comes from the “agreement” (acuerdo) of the Real Audiencia that authorized it. It should not be confused with the Holy Office (the Inquisition), which tried religious offenses.