An Oidor of the Royal Audience of Lima

Abstract

Luis Valera y Orbegoso presents a documented biography of D. Juan Páez de Laguna, a prominent colonial official of the 17th century. His noble origin in Gualda, his career as a lawyer in Madrid, and his appointment by Philip III as Criminal Prosecutor in Lima in 1600 are detailed. The text narrates his journey to Peru, his solemn reception, and his integrity in performance, which earned him the appointment of Prosecutor of the Santa Cruzada and subsequently Oidor (Judge) of the Supreme Court (Real Audiencia) in 1605. His reputation for incorruptibility and honorable humble existence without opulence is highlighted, which led the King to grant special licenses for his daughter's marriage to a local, exempting her from legal prohibitions. The article includes an appendix with eleven unpublished documents supporting the narrative, including royal decrees and official correspondence.