Justice and production of Law in Castela in the 15th century

Abstract

The reign of the Catholic Kings – Fernando de Aragao and Isabel de Castela – (1474-1504) happened during a transitional period between the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, and was considered a time of peace and justice in Castela. This allows us to question how the organization of the reign during a period of transition can influence the Law practiced therein. We aim to verify what characterizes the change from a medieval law to a modern law, and which elements indicate this transition in the government of the Catholic Kings. We focus on two main prerogatives, one regarding the medieval tradition of a judge and the other highlighting the modern characteristic of a legislative power, represented by Fernando and Isabel.