Sobre el tribunal de conciencia. Unas reflexiones a tenor de un estudio de José Calvo González (rip)

Abstract

The text discusses the correspondence between José Calvo González and Rafael Gibert, who expresses his gratitude for the submission of a work dedicated to Francisco Puy Muñoz and reflects on historiographical issues.

The main section analyzes the Court of Conscience, established in the 17th century by the eighth Duke of Medina Sidonia. This body, composed of trusted religious figures, was tasked with examining moral and legal conflicts within the seigniory, particularly claims from vassals, abuses by officials, and problems affecting vulnerable individuals such as widows, orphans, and the poor.

The court acted swiftly and summarily, guided more by moral conscience than by formal law, reflecting a conception of justice closely tied to religion within the seigniorial system of the time.