Földvári Books

Spanish Legal Administration in the New World

Alfaro, Francisco de

[Tractatus de officio fiscalis.] D. Francisci de Alfaro, Fiscalis Quondam Procuratoris in Cancellaria Argentina Regnorum Piru, nunc autem, post alia munera obita, Senatoris in Rei Dominicae Consilio. Tractatus De Officio Fiscalis, deque Fiscalibus Privilegiis. Ab eodem auctore emmendatus, et auctus. Ad Philippum Tertium, Hispaniarium et Novi-Orbis Regem Catholicum, Invictissimum et Potentissimum.

Matriti [Madrid]: ex officina Francisci Martinez [Francisco Martínez], Anno 1639. Second edition. Text in Latin, printed in two columns. In contemporary limp vellum with thongs. [12] 352 [56] p. Modern bookplate on inner front panel. Old ownership inscription on the verso of the title page in brown ink (Pedro Bonifacio Gorrón y Cisneros). A few old underlines. Recurring water stain at lower and upper margins, stronger at the front and rear of the book. Otherwise in fine condition.

Scarce Spanish legal work for the Audiencias in the New World.

Francisco de Alfaro (1551–1644) was a significant Spanish jurist and colonial administrator who profoundly influenced the legal landscape of Spanish America. As an Oidor (judge) of the Audiencia of Charcas, in present-day Bolivia, Alfaro authored the "Ordinances of Francisco de Alfaro" in 1612. These ordinances were pioneering efforts to protect Indigenous peoples within the Spanish colonies, addressing abuses and striving to improve their legal and social conditions. This work marked a critical early attempt to codify Indigenous rights, making Alfaro a key figure in developing colonial law and governance in Spanish America. His contributions shaped the legal framework for treating Indigenous populations, leaving a lasting legacy on the administration of Spanish territories in the New World.

Alfaro also authored the influential “Tratado Sobre el Oficio del Fiscal y de Los Privilegios Fiscales” in 1606, presented here in the second edition of 1639. This work compiles the doctrines and principles guiding the role of the fiscal (prosecutor) in Spanish colonies, showcasing his extensive legal expertise. Alfaro’s experience as a fiscal and judge enriched his understanding of public functions. His treatise is a classic examination of the fiscal’s office, its duties, and responsibilities, emphasizing the fiscal’s role in defending royal interests and upholding justice. It highlights the fiscal’s significant authority, equating the colonial Audiencias with those in Spain, and underscores the importance of adhering to established laws and ordinances. (Follari 1983)

Alfaro’s treatise remains a key contribution to Spanish colonial legal thought, was published for a third edition in 1780. Scarce on the market, RBH recorded to sale of only two copies of this edition. Ref.: European Americana 639/4; Palau 6984.

Literature: Follari, R. S. (1983) Reseña sobre el origen y la evolución de la Procuración del Tesoro. In: 120 años de la Procuración del Tesoro. 1863–1983, Buenos Aires, Editorial Universitaria de Buenos Aires. pp. 107–168.

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Price: €4,000.00