Deprived of justice: secular and ecclesiastical judges in the \confusion of robberies\ in Minas Gerais (1748-1793)

Author(s)

Patricia Ferreira dos Santos

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2013-01-22

Examining board members

Carlos de Almeida Prado Bacellar; Iris Kantor; Laura de Mello e Souza; Jaelson Bitran Trindade; Renato Pinto Venâncio

• Advisor: Carlos de Almeida Prado Bacellar

Abstract

The object of this study is the ecclesiastical justice in the diocese of the Minas Gerais, analyzed in two ways: the competitive relations of the cooperation, elimination and conflict that established their judges delegates with the people and the authorities of the colony; the mechanisms of coercion that put into practice. A comparative methodology was based on the following sources: ecclesiastical court proceedings, resources investigation of crimes, such as suits, complaints and wanton; the rule of law, and correspondence of the bishops and governors of the eighteenth century. These sources show the various facets assumed by the justice to colonial times: the main prerrogative of the Prince; and also episcopal prerogative, according to the decreesTridentine. The bishop chased the public sinners; received suits and denunciations and established wanton. The ecclesiastical justice was essential element of evangelization Tridentine; however, between secular and ecclesiastical authorities, were relations of the competition, collaboration and conflict. This triggered multiple reactions among people, the target of his action. (AU)