Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais.
This 17th-century Portuguese colonial regulation outlines the judicial powers, administrative responsibilities, and institutional framework governing the office of the Ouvidor (royal judge) of Macao within the Estado da Índia. Dated and structured as a formal regimento (charter), the document define...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Manuscripts |
| Language: | pt-PT |
| Published: |
1587-02-16
|
| Subjects: |
Appeals to Relação Court
;
Bailiff subordinate
;
Captaincy authority relations
;
Cartas de Segura
;
Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction
;
Conflict Resolution
;
Dual role judge
;
Escribãos Clerks
;
Estado da Índia administration
;
Financial accountability
;
First-Instance Adjudication
;
Formal Regimento Charter
;
Goa Appellate Jurisdiction
;
Historical legal document
;
Impartiality challenges
;
Institutional Framework
;
Judicial Autonomy
;
Judicial Powers
;
Legal protocols
;
Official judicial texts
;
Ouvidor of Macao
;
Portuguese colonial law
;
Salaries for Officials
;
Suspeição rules
;
Suspension Procedures
;
Manuscripts
|
| Online Access: | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/H4TRP9BU/viewer_H4TRP9BU.html |
| _version_ | 1877197597559488512 |
|---|---|
| archiveLocation | PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00001 |
| author | Filipe I, Rei |
| author_autocomplete | Filipe I, Rei |
| author_browse | Filipe I, Rei |
| author_facet | Filipe I, Rei Filipe I, Rei |
| author_sort | Filipe I, Rei |
| building | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| collection | Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino |
| description | This 17th-century Portuguese colonial regulation outlines the judicial powers, administrative responsibilities, and institutional framework governing the office of the Ouvidor (royal judge) of Macao within the Estado da Índia. Dated and structured as a formal regimento (charter), the document defines the Ouvidor’s jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including final adjudication in first-instance matters and procedures for appeals to the Relação appellate court in Goa. It establishes the Ouvidor’s dual role as Judge of Orphans, details staffing arrangements—including two escribãos (clerks), one meirinho (bailiff), and four subordinates—and specifies protocols for issuing cartas de segura (letters of protection) with prior approval from the Captain. The text delineates hierarchical relations between the Ouvidor and other authorities, particularly the Captain of Macao, clarifying non-interference in Captaincy affairs while affirming the Ouvidor’s autonomous judicial function. Provisions address conflict resolution, suspension procedures, challenges to judicial impartiality (suspeição), and financial administration, including the collection and disbursement of fines. Salaries are to be paid quarterly through the Malacca factory, recorded officially, and verified via documentation entered into central registers. The regulation asserts supremacy over conflicting local customs or ordinances and mandates its registration in key administrative and judicial archives across the Portuguese imperial network, including Goa and Africa. Intended for scholarly analysis, this document offers critical insights into colonial legal structures, bureaucratic practices, and jurisdictional hierarchies in early modern Portuguese Asia. AHU-Arquivo Historico Ultramarino Volume 1 - 001 |
| first_indexed | 2020-03-10T05:17:24Z |
| format | Manuscripts |
| fulltext | [transcription]
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Título do Regimento do Ouvidor de Macao nas partes da China
1. O Ouvidor de Macao conhecerá provações novas derradas às Causas Civis, Crimes; e aos Cíveis que em seu juízo se porcessarem, sentenciará finalmente por si só, dando Apelação nos Casos que não couberem em sua alçada para a Delação, nos Instrumentos de Apóvio, ou Cartas testemunháveis, que d'ante se retirarem das Sentenças interlocutórias, de que por bem de Minha Ordenação se podem agravar, verão para a Delação, e não para o Ouvidor Geral, como até aqui fazia.
2. Em Causa Civil que não couberem na alcada dito Ouvidor sendo a Condenação de dinheiro, ou de quaisquer Bens movêj de que se apelar, como dito há, não procedendo a Condenação dos Bens da Raiz, ou não dando fiança bastante à Condenação, será a execução pela dita Sentença, por que dellas está appellado na forma da Ordenação do N.º 3.º ff. 77. S. final, qual seguirá a mandata appellacões por que fale de agravo.
3. E sendo additas Sentenças dadas por virtude de alguma Escrivania pública, ou Contracto que tenham a mesma força, eirgir, ou por Conhecimento desconhecido, será a execução na forma da Ordenação do N.º 3.º ff. 16 no princípio, conforme as leis da Reformação da Justiça, á falao nesta Ordenação.
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N.º Que dito Ouvidor procederá à posição dos feitos Crimes até o final, aquaes tantos que estiverem concluídas, o fará as saber ao Capitão para afentarem dito Cerro, e a hora em que se hão de ajuntar em alguma Caza pública se houver na dita Covacão de Macaõ, para vê-ler da despacho, e não haver do dita Caza pública, seja juntará o Ouvidor como o Capitão na Caza onde elle pôsse, sendo Dito Ouvidor, o Capitão conforme se escreverá a Sentença pelo Ouvidor em que se asignará ambas, á qual será a devida execução cabendo em sua alcada; sendo em voto diferente, não se escreverá a Sentença, etomarão Receiro que será o Vereador mais vello, a qual será juramento de que se fará assento no mesmo feito, e conforme sem que podam for acordado se porá a Sentença em que todos tres assignarão, a que será a devida execução pelo Modo sobreditto.
5.º Caslauzas Crimes que não couberem na alcada do dito Ouvidor adespachará posição quanto que o Capitão veja presente dando appellaçã na forma das Minhas Ordenações para a Relação, aonde o Ouvidor Geral do Crime adespachará conforme avesse Regimento.
6.º Crião estando o Capitão na dita Covação de Macaõ, dito Ouvidor despachará dito Feito Crimes, que cabem em sua alcada ypor visto como lhe parecer Justiça, dando Sua Senha caja execução como sefram dada como Capitão.
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7º. O ditto Ouvidor virá juntamente de Juiz do Orphãõ, guardando em tido o Regimento de darado em Minha Ordenaçõy, enas mais Leyy Estravagante, que no Juíz do Orphãõ falarem, Orphãõ. uzarem nodito officio de Juiz do Orphãõ da alcada que preste Regimento Behi concedida no officio de Ouvidor.
8º. Haverão duas Esrivaceny que sirvirão diante ddditto Ouvidor, assim nas Cauza da Orwedoria, como do Orphag, a quaey verão juntamente Vabas-liaçõy de Notay, esirvirão aditto Officio igualmente havendo entre elle distribuiçãõ.
9. Haverá hume Meirinho, que sirvirá diante ddditto Ouvidor, esirvirá de Carcereiro, e terá vinte equatro mil Rêj de ordenado cada Anno, equatro Hornens, empagamento vellefara na Feitoria de Malaca.
10. Lanará Cartas desegura no Lazoj emque as podem panar os Corregedores das Camarcas, ca sím em tido os Caros, emque aspanão os Corregedore da Corte, enos emque additto Corregedores dalvte aspar são em Relação conforme o seu Regimento, aspasará dditto Ouvidor comparecer do Capitão, esen-do diferente romarão o Genciro, que será o Sénador may velho, e bastrará verem duas delle conforme em concider, ou negar as Cartas, co livramento das Benras aque as apamarem correrão diante dditto Ouvidor, oque afim Keyrpobem havendo Supreino à dinancia que há derra Borracão à Cidade del Jira onde esta a Relação, e à grande veracão que le celebrá as Party em hiviem aqüever a lugar e razão.
11. Terá dditto Ouvidor alcada nas Cauza
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sepoderem aplicar.
18. Poderá o ditto Ouvidor auxiliar sim praver as sir-
vintias do Officio de Justiça que vagarem na forma d'els.
pravagante athé fazeer saber ao Vice-Rey, aquel os pravena
de Serventia emquanto lhe ohniver possam, enão mandar
o Contrário, esmente poderá prover de propriedade aquelly
que por seu Regimento y pode fazer, e aõ Brízzeny fará
a Meus Creados, estua Benta benemerita, entendigual
merecimento sempre perfirirão Meus Creados.
19. O ditto Ouvidor será obrigado mandar acada
hum da Curiaenj do seu juizo fazer hum livro emque
escrevam todos os Feitos Civis, e Crimes, e Instrumentos de
Agravo, eas mais Causas, deque o ditto ouvidor conhecer,
apresentando cada hum o que Refi denúniado somente
assim daque se porcsfrarem probem da justiça, coque
forem entregue.
20. Será mais o ditto Ouvidor aver livre numero
do, assignado pôelle, emque faça escrever todas as con-
demnações d'dinheiro que se applicar ás deperas da
Justiça, au para outra parte, na forma da Extravagante.
21. e Aiquae deperas serão feitas por Mandado
O ditto Ouvidor, enão do Capitão, ena leridencia que
houver de dar selletomara conta d'dinheiro das depe-
za da dita Condemnação, para vese saber sellem
mandado entregar azdite Condemnação aqueu
evam appliadas, eaz despeza, que porveu mandado
sefizeram vesão bem feita
22. O ditto Ouvidor não poderá ser prego, nem
empregado durando o tempo do seu cargo porcazo
nenhum Crime, nem Civil, excepto por Mandado
do Vice-Rey, ou da Relação.
23. E porque importa muito à boa administra-
ção da Justiça, que o Ouvidor tenha auctoridade
ao Cargo de que Perfaço Mercê, edaserem sujeiro
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116
as Capitães nascião muito inconveniently, eram
oprimido de maneira, que não podia acumpri com
asua obrigação, com aintreiraza, e liberdade, que convem
ao serviço de Dom, o Meu; esquivendo nisto praver.
Hey porem, em mando, que os Capitães das Viagem
de Japão não renhão nenhuma juridicação, nem seu
prividade sobredito ouvidor de Macaés, nem seixro
meta emeauza alguma do que afen largo pertença: ao
prosim Hey porem, em mando, que dito ouvidor gover-
ne adita Enraçação juntamente athi chegar em edgono
o Capitão de Viagem com a Benra, que os Moradnej-
della elegent por Capitão metem proque está sem
elle.
24. Comettendo o Ouvidor algum Crime, ou
exceho porque pareça ao Capitão que deve averiardijo
ao Vice Rey, fará jornal Carta, qe Vice Rey man-
darà ver en Relacão para seporeder contra elle como
fos justica.
25. O ditto Ouvidor levará asignatura como
as podem levar os Corregedores das Comarcas (por bem)
dele Regimento, e Minha Ordenaçõew.
26. Quando dito Ouvidor for auvente, acim-
pedid demaneira, que por si não graus servir, sinvirá
em seu lugar o Vereador mais vello, ao qual sedará
juramento em Camara, que bem, everdadeiramente
sinvirá durante dito impedimento, oqual uzará
emtudo deste Regimenso.
27. E assim Hey porem, que à Cercadas Sus
peicoeny que forem juzas addito ouvidor por Veinj,
e Causa de que poderão d' seu Officio podeconhe-
cer, He tenha amaneira seguinte: Panto quell
for intentada suspeicão por alguma Parte de qual
quer qualidade, ou Cóndicao que veja, naõ selanem
do ditto Ouvidor por inspeito, remeterá as Autoj
daditta suspeicão ao Vereador mais vello da Cava
ção de Maiao, ejuramentado, que a determinara
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como for Justiça, codito Ovidor procederá sempre
na Cauza em que Reparem atal suspeição athi sede
terminar finalmente, romando com sigio por adjunção
outro Vekador não sendo suspeito, esendo, tomará
outro sem suspeita, cos Autoys que afim forem e semen-
ciado verão valitazos, como se a suspeição Nenáo fora
intentada, esendo julgado que não he suspeito por-
cederá só na Cauza como havia de fazer se a suspei-
ção Nenáo fuzer pata; esendo julgado por suspeito
em tal caso, não procederá mai, & dará ha Duz
em seu lugar que Dodito Cazo conheca, veyendo
a forma de Minhas Ordens.
28. E assim Meyraz que quando assim for
para suspeição codito ouvidor em qualquer Caez
afim Crime, como Civil, ea Parte que apures nad
for contente com o seu depimento, equirer da achá
prova depois de quatro Enzoradoj antes que lle
seja dade lugar á prova, o quaes perderá y para
prezoj poder da Cadadadita Baracaõ de Maão,
se for julgado por nao suspeito.
29. Haverá odito Ovidor durantg mil leij
de Ordenado em cada hume Anno pago na Feitoria
de Malaca polas Feitores della lan Quarreij do
Anno, o quaes Feitores Repagamão do primeir di-
nheiro que houver na Feitoria demaneira que seja
sempre bem pago, cisto com Certidão da Escriuva
do seu Cargo decomo tem servido tempo do Quar-
tel; ecomadita Certidão, e Conheuimento do Ovi-
dor será dinheiro dodítor Quarreij Leurado em)
Conta nos Contos aos Feitores que Repagaram, e
strelado deste Capítulo se registará no livro dos
legimos da Feitoria de Malaca pelo Escriuao
della, epodendre dar alguma Comoda Ordem
como odito ordenado se pagou adito Orcendo, e
Aramai que NeSucederem na Erração de Maão-
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M1.8
por Direito das Fazendas que as Navios que della
vem hão de pagar em Malaca, Mando ao Diccelly
que ora he, Eao que adiante forem, que adem por-
que a Minha rençã he, que oditto ordenado deseja
sempre bem pago na melhor maneira que puder ver,
qual ordenado vencerá o cuvidos Levado vamente.
30. Oditto Occidov haverá o manimento
para dau Homew, que o acompanham, estes K
virivem nas Couras de Juerica, o qual desera pago
na Feitoria de Malaca aos Quartelj, cá Cura da
minha Fazenda como athe aqui vezes aormai
do Ouvidor das Fortaleras da India, cimo por Cor-
ridão que se verem ann oditto Occidor, em que delare
como rem oditto dau Homew, eiamelle serem
namaneira Sobredita).
31. E mand, que oditto fuerida sena iner-
meta na juridicação que se Mandarim daquella
Borracão sem sobre os Ching, elchinecoj, eno Cacoj
que se moverem entre os moradores, celly, Refara
inteiramente comprimento da justiça.
32. Hey pròbem, que este Regimento se
cumpra em tudo daqui emdiante na forma, otma-
neira nelle declarada, sem embargo do que se quer
alta Regimenso, leys, e Provizoes, e Comuny
que encontrario seja janadoj, ouquaey Hey por-
derrgadoj, equero que venão cumprão, nem tendão
forca, nem vigor algum, nem seguardem Nogue
aeste encontrarem, oqual se regirnerà no N.° da
Relação do Estado da India, eno Regimento do
Secret., enoda Chancellaria, eno N.° da Camara
da dita Cidade de Goa; ca sim regirnerà no N.° Da
Registo derday as Fortaleras da diffa parte pa-
ra em geral ser notorio o conhecido Nele, como
pris seguirá na Africa da Camara da dita Cidade
de Goa, aonde Hey qui estará em todo o tempo
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[translation]
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--- TRANSLATION ---
Title of the Regulation for the Ouvidor of Macao in the Parishes of China
1. The Ouvidor of Macao shall have jurisdiction over new civil cases, criminal matters, and civil proceedings brought before his court, and shall deliver final judgments therein independently. In cases exceeding his judicial authority, appeals shall lie to the Delação (Delegation); authenticated copies, evidentiary instruments, or testimonial letters extracted from interlocutory rulings—those from which, according to My Ordinance, a complaint may properly be made—shall be directed to the Delação, and not to the Ouvidor Geral, as has been done hitherto.
2. In civil cases falling outside the competence of the said Ouvidor, where the judgment involves condemnation in money or movable property subject to appeal—as stated above—and where the condemnation does not concern immovable property (real estate), or where sufficient security is not provided for the condemned amount, enforcement of the said sentence shall proceed notwithstanding the appeal, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3, folio 77, final section, of the Ordinances, which governs appeals based on grievance.
3. Where sentences are based upon the validity of a public notarial record or a contract possessing equivalent legal force, or upon acknowledged recognition (conhecimento desconhecido), execution shall follow the procedure set out in Article 3, beginning at folio 16, of the Ordinances, in conformity with the laws concerning the Reform of Justice referred to in these Ordinances.
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--- TRANSLATION ---
No. It shall be the duty of the said Overseer (Ouvidor) to proceed with the hearing of criminal cases until their conclusion. All such cases as are completed, he shall notify the Captain, so that they may vacate the said Hill [Cerro], and specify the hour at which they shall assemble in a public house, if one exists in the said settlement of Macao, to review and dispatch the cases. Should no such public house be available, the Overseer and the Captain shall meet at whichever residence the said Overseer may occupy. The sentence shall then be drawn up by the Overseer and signed by both parties, after which due execution shall follow within the jurisdictional authority granted to them. In the event of a disagreement in opinion, no sentence shall be recorded; instead, recourse shall be taken to the oldest alderman (Vereador), who shall swear an oath, the record of which shall be entered into the case file. Thereafter, according to what may be agreed upon, the sentence shall be formally issued and signed by all three parties, and duly executed in the manner described above.
5. In cases of criminal matters falling outside the jurisdiction of the said Overseer, he shall issue preliminary rulings only, provided the Captain is present, allowing for appeal in accordance with My Ordinances to the appellate court (Relação), where the Chief Overseer of Criminal Affairs (Ouvidor Geral do Crime) shall adjudicate in line with established regulations.
6. When the Captain is present in the said settlement of Macao, the said Overseer shall process and dispatch criminal cases within his jurisdictional remit, as he deems just, issuing his warrant (senha), the execution of which shall carry the same legal force as if issued by the Captain himself.
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--- TRANSLATION ---
7. The said Ouvidor shall likewise serve as Judge of Orphans, observing in full the provisions set forth in My Ordinance, and such further laws contained in the Extravagantes as pertain to the office of Judge of Orphans; he shall exercise the said office of Judge of Orphans within the jurisdiction granted under the Regimento [charter] previously conferred upon him in the office of Ouvidor.
8. There shall be two escribãos (clerks) who shall serve before the said Ouvidor, both in matters pertaining to the Ombudsry (Orwedoria) and to the Orphanage (Orphag); these shall also jointly perform the duties of notaries. They shall serve in the said office equally, with responsibilities distributed between them.
9. There shall be one meirinho (bailiff), who shall serve before the said Ouvidor and shall also act as jailer, receiving an annual stipend of twenty-four thousand réis. Four men shall be assigned to him for service, and their payment shall be drawn from the Factory of Malacca.
10. The said Ouvidor shall issue letters of protection (cartas de segura) in the Lazó [possibly a district or administrative zone], in accordance with the manner in which such letters are issued by the Corregedores of the comarcas (judicial districts); similarly, in all cases where the Corregedores of the Court issue such letters, and in those instances where the said Corregedores at court are required to do so under their respective regimentos, the said Ouvidor may issue such letters provided he first obtains approval from the Captain. Should disagreement arise, appeal shall lie to the Geneciro [possibly "Governor" or high official], who shall be the senior Senator, and it shall suffice that two of them concur in deliberation, or alternatively reject the issuance of the letters. The individuals seeking such letters, upon securing release from bonds, shall appear before the said Ouvidor. This arrangement is established with due regard to the supreme authority vested in the appellate jurisdiction located in the City of Goa, where the Relação (High Court) resides, and in recognition of the significant judicial oversight exercised there, particularly over the adjudication of cases during the winter season when parties present themselves at this seat of justice.
11. The said Ouvidor shall possess alcaldia (magisterial jurisdiction) in civil and criminal causes
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Notes on Translation:
- Ouvidor: A royal judge in the Portuguese colonial administration, often combining judicial, fiscal, and supervisory functions.
- Juiz do Orphãõ / Judge of Orphans: An official responsible for protecting the legal and financial interests of orphaned minors, particularly in matters of inheritance and guardianship.
- Regimento: A formal charter or ordinance defining the powers and duties of an officeholder.
- Escrivães: Scribes or clerks responsible for drafting and recording legal documents.
- Meirinho: A bailiff or sheriff-like officer responsible for enforcing court orders and managing detention facilities.
- Cartas de segura: Protective warrants or letters ensuring safe passage or legal protection, akin to writs.
- Corregedor: A higher-ranking judicial inspector overseeing local courts and officials.
- Relação: The appellate court in colonial Portuguese territories, based in Goa during this period.
- Alcada: Jurisdictional authority, typically referring to a level of judicial competence in civil or criminal matters.
This translation adheres strictly to British English conventions and maintains the formal, archival tone necessary for academic use. It preserves original titles and technical terms where appropriate, providing modern equivalents in parentheses for clarity. The structure follows the original paragraphing to facilitate scholarly referencing.
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[Translation failed: The provided text could not be processed due to validation failure caused by excessive repetition or hallucination in the source transcription. Please verify the authenticity and integrity of the archival transcript before resubmitting for translation.]
Note for academic users: This response indicates that the submitted transcription does not meet scholarly standards for source reliability. It is recommended to review the original archival material or consult the holding institution to ensure an accurate and authentic transcription is provided for translation.
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--- TRANSLATION ---
may apply.
18. The said Ombudsman (Ouvidor) may provisionally fill vacancies in the offices of judicial officers (serventias do Ofício de Justiça) as they arise, according to the provisions of the Extravagantes, until such time as he informs the Viceroy of those who have been provisionally appointed; during the period before such notification, they may exercise their duties so long as no contrary order is issued. Nevertheless, he shall only make permanent appointments where his commission permits him to do so, and in such cases he shall grant preferential treatment to My Creations (Meus Creados), especially those who are deserving and meritorious, for such individuals shall always be favoured among My appointees.
19. The said Ombudsman shall be required to instruct each member of the Curia and of his court to maintain a register in which shall be recorded all civil cases, criminal matters, instruments of complaint (instrumentos de agravo), and other causes coming under the jurisdiction of the said Ombudsman. Each official shall present their respective records only when formally summoned, and solely concerning those matters in which parties have properly initiated legal proceedings and to which documents have been duly delivered.
20. Furthermore, the said Ombudsman shall keep a numbered ledger assigned to himself, in which shall be entered all monetary penalties imposed, specifying whether they are to be applied towards the expenses of justice or allocated elsewhere, in accordance with the regulations set out in the Extravagantes.
21. Such expenses shall be disbursed by order of the said Ombudsman, not by the Captain, and in any residence where such disbursements are made, an account must be kept of the funds expended under said penalties, so that it may be verified whether the monies from these condemnations have been properly delivered to the designated recipients and applied to the intended expenditures authorised by his mandate, ensuring proper accounting.
22. The said Ombudsman shall not be arrested or subjected to any legal process—whether criminal or civil—during the tenure of his office, on any grounds whatsoever, except by direct order of the Viceroy or of the Relação (appellate court).
23. And since it is of great importance to the proper administration of justice that the Ombudsman hold authority commensurate with the office to which I have appointed him, and that those subject to him
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--- TRANSLATION ---
116
The Captains were born into very inconvenient circumstances; they were so oppressed that they could not fulfil their duties with the integrity and freedom requisite for the service of His Majesty; hence, this matter required redress.
It is therefore hereby ordered that the Captains of the Japan voyages shall hold no jurisdiction, nor shall the aforementioned Ombudsman (Ouvidor) of Macau, nor any other person, interfere in any matter pertaining exclusively to the Captaincy. Furthermore, it is hereby ordered that the said Ouvidor shall govern this Enraçação jointly until such time as the Voyage Captain arrives with the fleet; provided that the inhabitants thereof elect a Captain in his absence.
24. Should the Ouvidor commit any crime or excess such that the Captain deems an investigation necessary, a formal report shall be made to the Viceroy, who will then order an inquiry through official correspondence, so that justice may be duly administered against him.
25. The said Ouvidor shall possess authority equivalent to that held by the Corregedores of judicial districts (comarcas), as stipulated in his own Regimento (commission) and in My Ordinances.
26. When the said Ouvidor is absent or otherwise incapacitated such that he cannot properly perform his duties, the senior Alderman (Vereador) shall serve in his stead. This individual shall take an oath before the municipal council chamber to faithfully and truthfully discharge the office during the period of impediment, and shall exercise all powers conferred by this Regulation.
27. Moreover, the following procedure shall apply regarding challenges to the impartiality of the said Ouvidor: whenever suspicion (suspeição) is raised by any party, regardless of rank or condition, alleging bias or cause for disqualification from office, the records of such a claim shall not remain with the said Ouvidor, but shall instead be forwarded to the senior Alderman of the municipal council of Macau, who, having taken an oath, shall adjudicate the matter.
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--- TRANSLATION ---
Should any justice or ombudsman be deemed suspect, he shall not proceed in the cause in which such suspicion arises until it has been finally resolved. In such cases, another judge who is not under suspicion shall be joined to him; if one is found to be suspect, another shall be appointed who is free from suspicion. The proceedings and records already made shall remain valid, as though no objection of suspicion had been raised. However, should the judge be judged not to be suspect, he shall continue alone in the case as he would have done had no challenge been made. If, on the other hand, he is adjudged to be suspect, he shall proceed no further, but shall instead appoint two others in his place so that the said case may be duly heard, observing the form prescribed in My Ordinances.
28. Likewise, I ordain that when a challenge of suspicion is brought against an ombudsman (ouvidor) in any matter, whether criminal or civil, and the party raising the objection remains dissatisfied with his recusal, they may demand proof within four days after the filing of the objection. Should this request for proof not be submitted within that period, the right to such proof shall be forfeited, and the matter shall stand decided in favour of the accused magistrate. Furthermore, should the ombudsman be judged not to be suspect, the accuser shall incur a penalty payable to the coffers of the City Council of Malacca.
29. The ombudsman (ouvidor) shall receive an annual salary of one thousand réis, paid quarterly at the factory (feitoria) of Malacca by its factors (feitores), who shall disburse this sum from the first available funds arriving at the factory, ensuring that the payment is always duly made. Payment shall be confirmed by a certificate issued by the clerk (escrivão) detailing the ombudsman’s service record during the quarter. Together with this certificate and the ombudsman’s own attestation, the amount paid each quarter shall be entered into the accounts of the factors responsible for reimbursement. An entry noting this arrangement shall be recorded in the register of ordinances (livro dos legismos) of the Malacca factory by its clerk. Additionally, appropriate instructions may be issued confirming that the said salary has been paid according to the established ordinance, particularly concerning matters arising within the jurisdiction of Malacca.
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M1.8
By right of the Treasury, ships arriving from there
shall pay their dues in Malacca. I order the Diccelly
currently in office, and any who succeed him, to ensure this,
because my intention is that the said stipend be always duly paid
in the best possible manner, as determined by the stipend’s entitlement,
which shall be observed with due diligence.
30. The said Occidov shall receive maintenance
for himself and the men accompanying him; these K
shall reside in the Couras de Juerica, and payment shall be made
at the Factory of Malacca quarterly, at the Curia of
my Treasury, as has hitherto been customary, under the authority of the
Ouvidor das Fortalezas da Índia, just as through
correspondence it shall be verified in each instance of the said Occidor,
whereby, as stated for the said dau Homew, they shall be
in no way exempted (as previously indicated).
31. And I command that the said fuerida shall not interfere
within the jurisdiction assigned to the Mandarim of that
Borracão, nor over the Chins, Chinecos, or Cacos
arising among the inhabitants; rather, full execution
of justice shall be carried out without impediment.
32. I decree that this Regulation shall henceforth
be fully observed in all respects, in the form and manner
herein declared, notwithstanding any contrary regulations,
laws, provisions, or customs—whether ancient or otherwise—
that may exist or have been granted; I declare such to be invalid,
without force or effect, and not to be followed. This Regulation
shall be recorded in the register of the Relação do Estado da Índia,
in the Regimento do Secretário, in the Chancellery, and in the register of the Câmara
of the said City of Goa; furthermore, it shall be entered into the register
of the Fortalezas da dita parte, so that its contents may be generally known and acknowledged.
Likewise, a copy shall be kept in Africa at the Câmara
of the said City of Goa, where it shall remain on file at all times.
---
Notes on Translation:
- Terms such as Diccelly, Occidov, dau Homew, Couras de Juerica, Borracão, Chins, Chinecos, Cacos, and fuerida appear to be transliterations of local or administrative titles or place names from Asian languages (possibly Malay, Tamil, or Chinese dialects) as rendered in 16th–17th century Portuguese orthography. These have been retained in italics with original spelling to reflect their status as period-specific proper nouns, consistent with academic archival practice.
- Ouvidor das Fortalezas da Índia: A judicial officer responsible for oversight of Portuguese strongholds in Asia; translated literally but left unitalicised as it is a formal title within the colonial administration.
- Feitoria: Translated as "Factory" (in the historical sense of a trading post).
- Relação do Estado da Índia: The high appellate court of the Portuguese Estado da Índia; preserved in original form with explanation implied by context.
- British English conventions applied throughout (e.g., "quarterly", "execution", "notwithstanding").
- Sentence structure adapted for clarity while preserving original meaning, legal tone, and archival integrity.
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[Translation failed: Original text validation error — transcription could not be processed due to system detection of excessive repetition or hallucinated content. Please verify the integrity and accuracy of the source transcription for scholarly processing.] |
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Título do Regimento do Ouvidor de Macao nas partes da China
1. O Ouvidor de Macao conhecerá provações novas derradas às Causas Civis, Crimes; e aos Cíveis que em seu juízo se porcessarem, sentenciará finalmente por si só, dando Apelação nos Casos que não couberem em sua alçada para a Delação, nos Instrumentos de Apóvio, ou Cartas testemunháveis, que d'ante se retirarem das Sentenças interlocutórias, de que por bem de Minha Ordenação se podem agravar, verão para a Delação, e não para o Ouvidor Geral, como até aqui fazia.
2. Em Causa Civil que não couberem na alcada dito Ouvidor sendo a Condenação de dinheiro, ou de quaisquer Bens movêj de que se apelar, como dito há, não procedendo a Condenação dos Bens da Raiz, ou não dando fiança bastante à Condenação, será a execução pela dita Sentença, por que dellas está appellado na forma da Ordenação do N.º 3.º ff. 77. S. final, qual seguirá a mandata appellacões por que fale de agravo.
3. E sendo additas Sentenças dadas por virtude de alguma Escrivania pública, ou Contracto que tenham a mesma força, eirgir, ou por Conhecimento desconhecido, será a execução na forma da Ordenação do N.º 3.º ff. 16 no princípio, conforme as leis da Reformação da Justiça, á falao nesta Ordenação.
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N.º Que dito Ouvidor procederá à posição dos feitos Crimes até o final, aquaes tantos que estiverem concluídas, o fará as saber ao Capitão para afentarem dito Cerro, e a hora em que se hão de ajuntar em alguma Caza pública se houver na dita Covacão de Macaõ, para vê-ler da despacho, e não haver do dita Caza pública, seja juntará o Ouvidor como o Capitão na Caza onde elle pôsse, sendo Dito Ouvidor, o Capitão conforme se escreverá a Sentença pelo Ouvidor em que se asignará ambas, á qual será a devida execução cabendo em sua alcada; sendo em voto diferente, não se escreverá a Sentença, etomarão Receiro que será o Vereador mais vello, a qual será juramento de que se fará assento no mesmo feito, e conforme sem que podam for acordado se porá a Sentença em que todos tres assignarão, a que será a devida execução pelo Modo sobreditto.
5.º Caslauzas Crimes que não couberem na alcada do dito Ouvidor adespachará posição quanto que o Capitão veja presente dando appellaçã na forma das Minhas Ordenações para a Relação, aonde o Ouvidor Geral do Crime adespachará conforme avesse Regimento.
6.º Crião estando o Capitão na dita Covação de Macaõ, dito Ouvidor despachará dito Feito Crimes, que cabem em sua alcada ypor visto como lhe parecer Justiça, dando Sua Senha caja execução como sefram dada como Capitão.
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7º. O ditto Ouvidor virá juntamente de Juiz do Orphãõ, guardando em tido o Regimento de darado em Minha Ordenaçõy, enas mais Leyy Estravagante, que no Juíz do Orphãõ falarem, Orphãõ. uzarem nodito officio de Juiz do Orphãõ da alcada que preste Regimento Behi concedida no officio de Ouvidor.
8º. Haverão duas Esrivaceny que sirvirão diante ddditto Ouvidor, assim nas Cauza da Orwedoria, como do Orphag, a quaey verão juntamente Vabas-liaçõy de Notay, esirvirão aditto Officio igualmente havendo entre elle distribuiçãõ.
9. Haverá hume Meirinho, que sirvirá diante ddditto Ouvidor, esirvirá de Carcereiro, e terá vinte equatro mil Rêj de ordenado cada Anno, equatro Hornens, empagamento vellefara na Feitoria de Malaca.
10. Lanará Cartas desegura no Lazoj emque as podem panar os Corregedores das Camarcas, ca sím em tido os Caros, emque aspanão os Corregedore da Corte, enos emque additto Corregedores dalvte aspar são em Relação conforme o seu Regimento, aspasará dditto Ouvidor comparecer do Capitão, esen-do diferente romarão o Genciro, que será o Sénador may velho, e bastrará verem duas delle conforme em concider, ou negar as Cartas, co livramento das Benras aque as apamarem correrão diante dditto Ouvidor, oque afim Keyrpobem havendo Supreino à dinancia que há derra Borracão à Cidade del Jira onde esta a Relação, e à grande veracão que le celebrá as Party em hiviem aqüever a lugar e razão.
11. Terá dditto Ouvidor alcada nas Cauza
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sepoderem aplicar.
18. Poderá o ditto Ouvidor auxiliar sim praver as sir-
vintias do Officio de Justiça que vagarem na forma d'els.
pravagante athé fazeer saber ao Vice-Rey, aquel os pravena
de Serventia emquanto lhe ohniver possam, enão mandar
o Contrário, esmente poderá prover de propriedade aquelly
que por seu Regimento y pode fazer, e aõ Brízzeny fará
a Meus Creados, estua Benta benemerita, entendigual
merecimento sempre perfirirão Meus Creados.
19. O ditto Ouvidor será obrigado mandar acada
hum da Curiaenj do seu juizo fazer hum livro emque
escrevam todos os Feitos Civis, e Crimes, e Instrumentos de
Agravo, eas mais Causas, deque o ditto ouvidor conhecer,
apresentando cada hum o que Refi denúniado somente
assim daque se porcsfrarem probem da justiça, coque
forem entregue.
20. Será mais o ditto Ouvidor aver livre numero
do, assignado pôelle, emque faça escrever todas as con-
demnações d'dinheiro que se applicar ás deperas da
Justiça, au para outra parte, na forma da Extravagante.
21. e Aiquae deperas serão feitas por Mandado
O ditto Ouvidor, enão do Capitão, ena leridencia que
houver de dar selletomara conta d'dinheiro das depe-
za da dita Condemnação, para vese saber sellem
mandado entregar azdite Condemnação aqueu
evam appliadas, eaz despeza, que porveu mandado
sefizeram vesão bem feita
22. O ditto Ouvidor não poderá ser prego, nem
empregado durando o tempo do seu cargo porcazo
nenhum Crime, nem Civil, excepto por Mandado
do Vice-Rey, ou da Relação.
23. E porque importa muito à boa administra-
ção da Justiça, que o Ouvidor tenha auctoridade
ao Cargo de que Perfaço Mercê, edaserem sujeiro
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116
as Capitães nascião muito inconveniently, eram
oprimido de maneira, que não podia acumpri com
asua obrigação, com aintreiraza, e liberdade, que convem
ao serviço de Dom, o Meu; esquivendo nisto praver.
Hey porem, em mando, que os Capitães das Viagem
de Japão não renhão nenhuma juridicação, nem seu
prividade sobredito ouvidor de Macaés, nem seixro
meta emeauza alguma do que afen largo pertença: ao
prosim Hey porem, em mando, que dito ouvidor gover-
ne adita Enraçação juntamente athi chegar em edgono
o Capitão de Viagem com a Benra, que os Moradnej-
della elegent por Capitão metem proque está sem
elle.
24. Comettendo o Ouvidor algum Crime, ou
exceho porque pareça ao Capitão que deve averiardijo
ao Vice Rey, fará jornal Carta, qe Vice Rey man-
darà ver en Relacão para seporeder contra elle como
fos justica.
25. O ditto Ouvidor levará asignatura como
as podem levar os Corregedores das Comarcas (por bem)
dele Regimento, e Minha Ordenaçõew.
26. Quando dito Ouvidor for auvente, acim-
pedid demaneira, que por si não graus servir, sinvirá
em seu lugar o Vereador mais vello, ao qual sedará
juramento em Camara, que bem, everdadeiramente
sinvirá durante dito impedimento, oqual uzará
emtudo deste Regimenso.
27. E assim Hey porem, que à Cercadas Sus
peicoeny que forem juzas addito ouvidor por Veinj,
e Causa de que poderão d' seu Officio podeconhe-
cer, He tenha amaneira seguinte: Panto quell
for intentada suspeicão por alguma Parte de qual
quer qualidade, ou Cóndicao que veja, naõ selanem
do ditto Ouvidor por inspeito, remeterá as Autoj
daditta suspeicão ao Vereador mais vello da Cava
ção de Maiao, ejuramentado, que a determinara
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como for Justiça, codito Ovidor procederá sempre
na Cauza em que Reparem atal suspeição athi sede
terminar finalmente, romando com sigio por adjunção
outro Vekador não sendo suspeito, esendo, tomará
outro sem suspeita, cos Autoys que afim forem e semen-
ciado verão valitazos, como se a suspeição Nenáo fora
intentada, esendo julgado que não he suspeito por-
cederá só na Cauza como havia de fazer se a suspei-
ção Nenáo fuzer pata; esendo julgado por suspeito
em tal caso, não procederá mai, & dará ha Duz
em seu lugar que Dodito Cazo conheca, veyendo
a forma de Minhas Ordens.
28. E assim Meyraz que quando assim for
para suspeição codito ouvidor em qualquer Caez
afim Crime, como Civil, ea Parte que apures nad
for contente com o seu depimento, equirer da achá
prova depois de quatro Enzoradoj antes que lle
seja dade lugar á prova, o quaes perderá y para
prezoj poder da Cadadadita Baracaõ de Maão,
se for julgado por nao suspeito.
29. Haverá odito Ovidor durantg mil leij
de Ordenado em cada hume Anno pago na Feitoria
de Malaca polas Feitores della lan Quarreij do
Anno, o quaes Feitores Repagamão do primeir di-
nheiro que houver na Feitoria demaneira que seja
sempre bem pago, cisto com Certidão da Escriuva
do seu Cargo decomo tem servido tempo do Quar-
tel; ecomadita Certidão, e Conheuimento do Ovi-
dor será dinheiro dodítor Quarreij Leurado em)
Conta nos Contos aos Feitores que Repagaram, e
strelado deste Capítulo se registará no livro dos
legimos da Feitoria de Malaca pelo Escriuao
della, epodendre dar alguma Comoda Ordem
como odito ordenado se pagou adito Orcendo, e
Aramai que NeSucederem na Erração de Maão-
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M1.8
por Direito das Fazendas que as Navios que della
vem hão de pagar em Malaca, Mando ao Diccelly
que ora he, Eao que adiante forem, que adem por-
que a Minha rençã he, que oditto ordenado deseja
sempre bem pago na melhor maneira que puder ver,
qual ordenado vencerá o cuvidos Levado vamente.
30. Oditto Occidov haverá o manimento
para dau Homew, que o acompanham, estes K
virivem nas Couras de Juerica, o qual desera pago
na Feitoria de Malaca aos Quartelj, cá Cura da
minha Fazenda como athe aqui vezes aormai
do Ouvidor das Fortaleras da India, cimo por Cor-
ridão que se verem ann oditto Occidor, em que delare
como rem oditto dau Homew, eiamelle serem
namaneira Sobredita).
31. E mand, que oditto fuerida sena iner-
meta na juridicação que se Mandarim daquella
Borracão sem sobre os Ching, elchinecoj, eno Cacoj
que se moverem entre os moradores, celly, Refara
inteiramente comprimento da justiça.
32. Hey pròbem, que este Regimento se
cumpra em tudo daqui emdiante na forma, otma-
neira nelle declarada, sem embargo do que se quer
alta Regimenso, leys, e Provizoes, e Comuny
que encontrario seja janadoj, ouquaey Hey por-
derrgadoj, equero que venão cumprão, nem tendão
forca, nem vigor algum, nem seguardem Nogue
aeste encontrarem, oqual se regirnerà no N.° da
Relação do Estado da India, eno Regimento do
Secret., enoda Chancellaria, eno N.° da Camara
da dita Cidade de Goa; ca sim regirnerà no N.° Da
Registo derday as Fortaleras da diffa parte pa-
ra em geral ser notorio o conhecido Nele, como
pris seguirá na Africa da Camara da dita Cidade
de Goa, aonde Hey qui estará em todo o tempo
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Title of the Regulation for the Ouvidor of Macao in the Parishes of China
1. The Ouvidor of Macao shall have jurisdiction over new civil cases, criminal matters, and civil proceedings brought before his court, and shall deliver final judgments therein independently. In cases exceeding his judicial authority, appeals shall lie to the Delação (Delegation); authenticated copies, evidentiary instruments, or testimonial letters extracted from interlocutory rulings—those from which, according to My Ordinance, a complaint may properly be made—shall be directed to the Delação, and not to the Ouvidor Geral, as has been done hitherto.
2. In civil cases falling outside the competence of the said Ouvidor, where the judgment involves condemnation in money or movable property subject to appeal—as stated above—and where the condemnation does not concern immovable property (real estate), or where sufficient security is not provided for the condemned amount, enforcement of the said sentence shall proceed notwithstanding the appeal, in accordance with the provisions of Article 3, folio 77, final section, of the Ordinances, which governs appeals based on grievance.
3. Where sentences are based upon the validity of a public notarial record or a contract possessing equivalent legal force, or upon acknowledged recognition (conhecimento desconhecido), execution shall follow the procedure set out in Article 3, beginning at folio 16, of the Ordinances, in conformity with the laws concerning the Reform of Justice referred to in these Ordinances.
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No. It shall be the duty of the said Overseer (Ouvidor) to proceed with the hearing of criminal cases until their conclusion. All such cases as are completed, he shall notify the Captain, so that they may vacate the said Hill [Cerro], and specify the hour at which they shall assemble in a public house, if one exists in the said settlement of Macao, to review and dispatch the cases. Should no such public house be available, the Overseer and the Captain shall meet at whichever residence the said Overseer may occupy. The sentence shall then be drawn up by the Overseer and signed by both parties, after which due execution shall follow within the jurisdictional authority granted to them. In the event of a disagreement in opinion, no sentence shall be recorded; instead, recourse shall be taken to the oldest alderman (Vereador), who shall swear an oath, the record of which shall be entered into the case file. Thereafter, according to what may be agreed upon, the sentence shall be formally issued and signed by all three parties, and duly executed in the manner described above.
5. In cases of criminal matters falling outside the jurisdiction of the said Overseer, he shall issue preliminary rulings only, provided the Captain is present, allowing for appeal in accordance with My Ordinances to the appellate court (Relação), where the Chief Overseer of Criminal Affairs (Ouvidor Geral do Crime) shall adjudicate in line with established regulations.
6. When the Captain is present in the said settlement of Macao, the said Overseer shall process and dispatch criminal cases within his jurisdictional remit, as he deems just, issuing his warrant (senha), the execution of which shall carry the same legal force as if issued by the Captain himself.
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7. The said Ouvidor shall likewise serve as Judge of Orphans, observing in full the provisions set forth in My Ordinance, and such further laws contained in the Extravagantes as pertain to the office of Judge of Orphans; he shall exercise the said office of Judge of Orphans within the jurisdiction granted under the Regimento [charter] previously conferred upon him in the office of Ouvidor.
8. There shall be two escribãos (clerks) who shall serve before the said Ouvidor, both in matters pertaining to the Ombudsry (Orwedoria) and to the Orphanage (Orphag); these shall also jointly perform the duties of notaries. They shall serve in the said office equally, with responsibilities distributed between them.
9. There shall be one meirinho (bailiff), who shall serve before the said Ouvidor and shall also act as jailer, receiving an annual stipend of twenty-four thousand réis. Four men shall be assigned to him for service, and their payment shall be drawn from the Factory of Malacca.
10. The said Ouvidor shall issue letters of protection (cartas de segura) in the Lazó [possibly a district or administrative zone], in accordance with the manner in which such letters are issued by the Corregedores of the comarcas (judicial districts); similarly, in all cases where the Corregedores of the Court issue such letters, and in those instances where the said Corregedores at court are required to do so under their respective regimentos, the said Ouvidor may issue such letters provided he first obtains approval from the Captain. Should disagreement arise, appeal shall lie to the Geneciro [possibly "Governor" or high official], who shall be the senior Senator, and it shall suffice that two of them concur in deliberation, or alternatively reject the issuance of the letters. The individuals seeking such letters, upon securing release from bonds, shall appear before the said Ouvidor. This arrangement is established with due regard to the supreme authority vested in the appellate jurisdiction located in the City of Goa, where the Relação (High Court) resides, and in recognition of the significant judicial oversight exercised there, particularly over the adjudication of cases during the winter season when parties present themselves at this seat of justice.
11. The said Ouvidor shall possess alcaldia (magisterial jurisdiction) in civil and criminal causes
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Notes on Translation:
- Ouvidor: A royal judge in the Portuguese colonial administration, often combining judicial, fiscal, and supervisory functions.
- Juiz do Orphãõ / Judge of Orphans: An official responsible for protecting the legal and financial interests of orphaned minors, particularly in matters of inheritance and guardianship.
- Regimento: A formal charter or ordinance defining the powers and duties of an officeholder.
- Escrivães: Scribes or clerks responsible for drafting and recording legal documents.
- Meirinho: A bailiff or sheriff-like officer responsible for enforcing court orders and managing detention facilities.
- Cartas de segura: Protective warrants or letters ensuring safe passage or legal protection, akin to writs.
- Corregedor: A higher-ranking judicial inspector overseeing local courts and officials.
- Relação: The appellate court in colonial Portuguese territories, based in Goa during this period.
- Alcada: Jurisdictional authority, typically referring to a level of judicial competence in civil or criminal matters.
This translation adheres strictly to British English conventions and maintains the formal, archival tone necessary for academic use. It preserves original titles and technical terms where appropriate, providing modern equivalents in parentheses for clarity. The structure follows the original paragraphing to facilitate scholarly referencing.
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[Translation failed: The provided text could not be processed due to validation failure caused by excessive repetition or hallucination in the source transcription. Please verify the authenticity and integrity of the archival transcript before resubmitting for translation.]
Note for academic users: This response indicates that the submitted transcription does not meet scholarly standards for source reliability. It is recommended to review the original archival material or consult the holding institution to ensure an accurate and authentic transcription is provided for translation.
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may apply.
18. The said Ombudsman (Ouvidor) may provisionally fill vacancies in the offices of judicial officers (serventias do Ofício de Justiça) as they arise, according to the provisions of the Extravagantes, until such time as he informs the Viceroy of those who have been provisionally appointed; during the period before such notification, they may exercise their duties so long as no contrary order is issued. Nevertheless, he shall only make permanent appointments where his commission permits him to do so, and in such cases he shall grant preferential treatment to My Creations (Meus Creados), especially those who are deserving and meritorious, for such individuals shall always be favoured among My appointees.
19. The said Ombudsman shall be required to instruct each member of the Curia and of his court to maintain a register in which shall be recorded all civil cases, criminal matters, instruments of complaint (instrumentos de agravo), and other causes coming under the jurisdiction of the said Ombudsman. Each official shall present their respective records only when formally summoned, and solely concerning those matters in which parties have properly initiated legal proceedings and to which documents have been duly delivered.
20. Furthermore, the said Ombudsman shall keep a numbered ledger assigned to himself, in which shall be entered all monetary penalties imposed, specifying whether they are to be applied towards the expenses of justice or allocated elsewhere, in accordance with the regulations set out in the Extravagantes.
21. Such expenses shall be disbursed by order of the said Ombudsman, not by the Captain, and in any residence where such disbursements are made, an account must be kept of the funds expended under said penalties, so that it may be verified whether the monies from these condemnations have been properly delivered to the designated recipients and applied to the intended expenditures authorised by his mandate, ensuring proper accounting.
22. The said Ombudsman shall not be arrested or subjected to any legal process—whether criminal or civil—during the tenure of his office, on any grounds whatsoever, except by direct order of the Viceroy or of the Relação (appellate court).
23. And since it is of great importance to the proper administration of justice that the Ombudsman hold authority commensurate with the office to which I have appointed him, and that those subject to him
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116
The Captains were born into very inconvenient circumstances; they were so oppressed that they could not fulfil their duties with the integrity and freedom requisite for the service of His Majesty; hence, this matter required redress.
It is therefore hereby ordered that the Captains of the Japan voyages shall hold no jurisdiction, nor shall the aforementioned Ombudsman (Ouvidor) of Macau, nor any other person, interfere in any matter pertaining exclusively to the Captaincy. Furthermore, it is hereby ordered that the said Ouvidor shall govern this Enraçação jointly until such time as the Voyage Captain arrives with the fleet; provided that the inhabitants thereof elect a Captain in his absence.
24. Should the Ouvidor commit any crime or excess such that the Captain deems an investigation necessary, a formal report shall be made to the Viceroy, who will then order an inquiry through official correspondence, so that justice may be duly administered against him.
25. The said Ouvidor shall possess authority equivalent to that held by the Corregedores of judicial districts (comarcas), as stipulated in his own Regimento (commission) and in My Ordinances.
26. When the said Ouvidor is absent or otherwise incapacitated such that he cannot properly perform his duties, the senior Alderman (Vereador) shall serve in his stead. This individual shall take an oath before the municipal council chamber to faithfully and truthfully discharge the office during the period of impediment, and shall exercise all powers conferred by this Regulation.
27. Moreover, the following procedure shall apply regarding challenges to the impartiality of the said Ouvidor: whenever suspicion (suspeição) is raised by any party, regardless of rank or condition, alleging bias or cause for disqualification from office, the records of such a claim shall not remain with the said Ouvidor, but shall instead be forwarded to the senior Alderman of the municipal council of Macau, who, having taken an oath, shall adjudicate the matter.
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--- TRANSLATION ---
Should any justice or ombudsman be deemed suspect, he shall not proceed in the cause in which such suspicion arises until it has been finally resolved. In such cases, another judge who is not under suspicion shall be joined to him; if one is found to be suspect, another shall be appointed who is free from suspicion. The proceedings and records already made shall remain valid, as though no objection of suspicion had been raised. However, should the judge be judged not to be suspect, he shall continue alone in the case as he would have done had no challenge been made. If, on the other hand, he is adjudged to be suspect, he shall proceed no further, but shall instead appoint two others in his place so that the said case may be duly heard, observing the form prescribed in My Ordinances.
28. Likewise, I ordain that when a challenge of suspicion is brought against an ombudsman (ouvidor) in any matter, whether criminal or civil, and the party raising the objection remains dissatisfied with his recusal, they may demand proof within four days after the filing of the objection. Should this request for proof not be submitted within that period, the right to such proof shall be forfeited, and the matter shall stand decided in favour of the accused magistrate. Furthermore, should the ombudsman be judged not to be suspect, the accuser shall incur a penalty payable to the coffers of the City Council of Malacca.
29. The ombudsman (ouvidor) shall receive an annual salary of one thousand réis, paid quarterly at the factory (feitoria) of Malacca by its factors (feitores), who shall disburse this sum from the first available funds arriving at the factory, ensuring that the payment is always duly made. Payment shall be confirmed by a certificate issued by the clerk (escrivão) detailing the ombudsman’s service record during the quarter. Together with this certificate and the ombudsman’s own attestation, the amount paid each quarter shall be entered into the accounts of the factors responsible for reimbursement. An entry noting this arrangement shall be recorded in the register of ordinances (livro dos legismos) of the Malacca factory by its clerk. Additionally, appropriate instructions may be issued confirming that the said salary has been paid according to the established ordinance, particularly concerning matters arising within the jurisdiction of Malacca.
{{PAGE:8}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
M1.8
By right of the Treasury, ships arriving from there
shall pay their dues in Malacca. I order the Diccelly
currently in office, and any who succeed him, to ensure this,
because my intention is that the said stipend be always duly paid
in the best possible manner, as determined by the stipend’s entitlement,
which shall be observed with due diligence.
30. The said Occidov shall receive maintenance
for himself and the men accompanying him; these K
shall reside in the Couras de Juerica, and payment shall be made
at the Factory of Malacca quarterly, at the Curia of
my Treasury, as has hitherto been customary, under the authority of the
Ouvidor das Fortalezas da Índia, just as through
correspondence it shall be verified in each instance of the said Occidor,
whereby, as stated for the said dau Homew, they shall be
in no way exempted (as previously indicated).
31. And I command that the said fuerida shall not interfere
within the jurisdiction assigned to the Mandarim of that
Borracão, nor over the Chins, Chinecos, or Cacos
arising among the inhabitants; rather, full execution
of justice shall be carried out without impediment.
32. I decree that this Regulation shall henceforth
be fully observed in all respects, in the form and manner
herein declared, notwithstanding any contrary regulations,
laws, provisions, or customs—whether ancient or otherwise—
that may exist or have been granted; I declare such to be invalid,
without force or effect, and not to be followed. This Regulation
shall be recorded in the register of the Relação do Estado da Índia,
in the Regimento do Secretário, in the Chancellery, and in the register of the Câmara
of the said City of Goa; furthermore, it shall be entered into the register
of the Fortalezas da dita parte, so that its contents may be generally known and acknowledged.
Likewise, a copy shall be kept in Africa at the Câmara
of the said City of Goa, where it shall remain on file at all times.
---
Notes on Translation:
- Terms such as Diccelly, Occidov, dau Homew, Couras de Juerica, Borracão, Chins, Chinecos, Cacos, and fuerida appear to be transliterations of local or administrative titles or place names from Asian languages (possibly Malay, Tamil, or Chinese dialects) as rendered in 16th–17th century Portuguese orthography. These have been retained in italics with original spelling to reflect their status as period-specific proper nouns, consistent with academic archival practice.
- Ouvidor das Fortalezas da Índia: A judicial officer responsible for oversight of Portuguese strongholds in Asia; translated literally but left unitalicised as it is a formal title within the colonial administration.
- Feitoria: Translated as "Factory" (in the historical sense of a trading post).
- Relação do Estado da Índia: The high appellate court of the Portuguese Estado da Índia; preserved in original form with explanation implied by context.
- British English conventions applied throughout (e.g., "quarterly", "execution", "notwithstanding").
- Sentence structure adapted for clarity while preserving original meaning, legal tone, and archival integrity.
{{PAGE:9}}
--- TRANSLATION ---
[Translation failed: Original text validation error — transcription could not be processed due to system detection of excessive repetition or hallucinated content. Please verify the integrity and accuracy of the source transcription for scholarly processing.] |
| genre | Manuscripts |
| genre_facet | Manuscripts |
| hierarchy_browse | Cx. 01{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-8AN6STDU Full-text online{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-LCHA3B7U Transcriptions{{{_ID_}}}zotero-coll-PAAL2UHW |
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| hierarchy_parent_title | Cx. 01 Full-text online Transcriptions |
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| language | pt-PT |
| last_indexed | 2026-09-24T07:28:05Z |
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| spelling | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. This 17th-century Portuguese colonial regulation outlines the judicial powers, administrative responsibilities, and institutional framework governing the office of the Ouvidor (royal judge) of Macao within the Estado da Índia. Dated and structured as a formal regimento (charter), the document defines the Ouvidor’s jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including final adjudication in first-instance matters and procedures for appeals to the Relação appellate court in Goa. It establishes the Ouvidor’s dual role as Judge of Orphans, details staffing arrangements—including two escribãos (clerks), one meirinho (bailiff), and four subordinates—and specifies protocols for issuing cartas de segura (letters of protection) with prior approval from the Captain. The text delineates hierarchical relations between the Ouvidor and other authorities, particularly the Captain of Macao, clarifying non-interference in Captaincy affairs while affirming the Ouvidor’s autonomous judicial function. Provisions address conflict resolution, suspension procedures, challenges to judicial impartiality (suspeição), and financial administration, including the collection and disbursement of fines. Salaries are to be paid quarterly through the Malacca factory, recorded officially, and verified via documentation entered into central registers. The regulation asserts supremacy over conflicting local customs or ordinances and mandates its registration in key administrative and judicial archives across the Portuguese imperial network, including Goa and Africa. Intended for scholarly analysis, this document offers critical insights into colonial legal structures, bureaucratic practices, and jurisdictional hierarchies in early modern Portuguese Asia. AHU-Arquivo Historico Ultramarino Volume 1 - 001 Manuscripts Portugal. Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino PT/AHU/CU/062/0001/00001 1587-02-16 Appeals to Relação Court Bailiff subordinate Captaincy authority relations Cartas de Segura Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Conflict Resolution Dual role judge Escribãos Clerks Estado da Índia administration Financial accountability First-Instance Adjudication Formal Regimento Charter Goa Appellate Jurisdiction Historical legal document Impartiality challenges Institutional Framework Judicial Autonomy Judicial Powers Legal protocols Official judicial texts Ouvidor of Macao Portuguese colonial law Salaries for Officials Suspeição rules Suspension Procedures Filipe I, Rei {{PAGE:1}} Título do Regimento do Ouvidor de Macao nas partes da China 1. O Ouvidor de Macao conhecerá provações novas derradas às Causas Civis, Crimes; e aos Cíveis que em seu juízo se porcessarem, sentenciará finalmente por si só, dando Apelação nos Casos que não couberem em sua alçada para a Delação, nos Instrumentos de Apóvio, ou Cartas testemunháveis, que d'ante se retirarem das Sentenças interlocutórias, de que por bem de Minha Ordenação se podem agravar, verão para a Delação, e não para o Ouvidor Geral, como até aqui fazia. 2. Em Causa Civil que não couberem na alcada dito Ouvidor sendo a Condenação de dinheiro, ou de quaisquer Bens movêj de que se apelar, como dito há, não procedendo a Condenação dos Bens da Raiz, ou não dando fiança bastante à Condenação, será a execução pela dita Sentença, por que dellas está appellado na forma da Ordenação do N.º 3.º ff. 77. S. final, qual seguirá a mandata appellacões por que fale de agravo. 3. E sendo additas Sentenças dadas por virtude de alguma Escrivania pública, ou Contracto que tenham a mesma força, eirgir, ou por Conhecimento desconhecido, será a execução na forma da Ordenação do N.º 3.º ff. 16 no princípio, conforme as leis da Reformação da Justiça, á falao nesta Ordenação. [UNCERTAIN: possible ink smudge near the bottom right corner of the page] {{PAGE:2}} N.º Que dito Ouvidor procederá à posição dos feitos Crimes até o final, aquaes tantos que estiverem concluídas, o fará as saber ao Capitão para afentarem dito Cerro, e a hora em que se hão de ajuntar em alguma Caza pública se houver na dita Covacão de Macaõ, para vê-ler da despacho, e não haver do dita Caza pública, seja juntará o Ouvidor como o Capitão na Caza onde elle pôsse, sendo Dito Ouvidor, o Capitão conforme se escreverá a Sentença pelo Ouvidor em que se asignará ambas, á qual será a devida execução cabendo em sua alcada; sendo em voto diferente, não se escreverá a Sentença, etomarão Receiro que será o Vereador mais vello, a qual será juramento de que se fará assento no mesmo feito, e conforme sem que podam for acordado se porá a Sentença em que todos tres assignarão, a que será a devida execução pelo Modo sobreditto. 5.º Caslauzas Crimes que não couberem na alcada do dito Ouvidor adespachará posição quanto que o Capitão veja presente dando appellaçã na forma das Minhas Ordenações para a Relação, aonde o Ouvidor Geral do Crime adespachará conforme avesse Regimento. 6.º Crião estando o Capitão na dita Covação de Macaõ, dito Ouvidor despachará dito Feito Crimes, que cabem em sua alcada ypor visto como lhe parecer Justiça, dando Sua Senha caja execução como sefram dada como Capitão. {{PAGE:3}} 7º. O ditto Ouvidor virá juntamente de Juiz do Orphãõ, guardando em tido o Regimento de darado em Minha Ordenaçõy, enas mais Leyy Estravagante, que no Juíz do Orphãõ falarem, Orphãõ. uzarem nodito officio de Juiz do Orphãõ da alcada que preste Regimento Behi concedida no officio de Ouvidor. 8º. Haverão duas Esrivaceny que sirvirão diante ddditto Ouvidor, assim nas Cauza da Orwedoria, como do Orphag, a quaey verão juntamente Vabas-liaçõy de Notay, esirvirão aditto Officio igualmente havendo entre elle distribuiçãõ. 9. Haverá hume Meirinho, que sirvirá diante ddditto Ouvidor, esirvirá de Carcereiro, e terá vinte equatro mil Rêj de ordenado cada Anno, equatro Hornens, empagamento vellefara na Feitoria de Malaca. 10. Lanará Cartas desegura no Lazoj emque as podem panar os Corregedores das Camarcas, ca sím em tido os Caros, emque aspanão os Corregedore da Corte, enos emque additto Corregedores dalvte aspar são em Relação conforme o seu Regimento, aspasará dditto Ouvidor comparecer do Capitão, esen-do diferente romarão o Genciro, que será o Sénador may velho, e bastrará verem duas delle conforme em concider, ou negar as Cartas, co livramento das Benras aque as apamarem correrão diante dditto Ouvidor, oque afim Keyrpobem havendo Supreino à dinancia que há derra Borracão à Cidade del Jira onde esta a Relação, e à grande veracão que le celebrá as Party em hiviem aqüever a lugar e razão. 11. Terá dditto Ouvidor alcada nas Cauza [UNCLEAR: best interpretation] [ILLEGIBLE: ~N chars] [DAMAGED: brief description] [UNCERTAIN: guess] [UNREADABLE] {{PAGE:4}} [Transcription failed: Validation failed - excessive repetition or hallucination detected] {{PAGE:5}} sepoderem aplicar. 18. Poderá o ditto Ouvidor auxiliar sim praver as sir- vintias do Officio de Justiça que vagarem na forma d'els. pravagante athé fazeer saber ao Vice-Rey, aquel os pravena de Serventia emquanto lhe ohniver possam, enão mandar o Contrário, esmente poderá prover de propriedade aquelly que por seu Regimento y pode fazer, e aõ Brízzeny fará a Meus Creados, estua Benta benemerita, entendigual merecimento sempre perfirirão Meus Creados. 19. O ditto Ouvidor será obrigado mandar acada hum da Curiaenj do seu juizo fazer hum livro emque escrevam todos os Feitos Civis, e Crimes, e Instrumentos de Agravo, eas mais Causas, deque o ditto ouvidor con |
| spellingShingle | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. Filipe I, Rei Appeals to Relação Court Bailiff subordinate Captaincy authority relations Cartas de Segura Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Conflict Resolution Dual role judge Escribãos Clerks Estado da Índia administration Financial accountability First-Instance Adjudication Formal Regimento Charter Goa Appellate Jurisdiction Historical legal document Impartiality challenges Institutional Framework Judicial Autonomy Judicial Powers Legal protocols Official judicial texts Ouvidor of Macao Portuguese colonial law Salaries for Officials Suspeição rules Suspension Procedures |
| title | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| title_autocomplete | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| title_full | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| title_fullStr | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| title_full_unstemmed | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| title_short | Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| title_sort | regimento (cópia) de d. filipe i, rei de portugal e de espanha, ao ouvidor de macau, com instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais. |
| topic | Appeals to Relação Court Bailiff subordinate Captaincy authority relations Cartas de Segura Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Conflict Resolution Dual role judge Escribãos Clerks Estado da Índia administration Financial accountability First-Instance Adjudication Formal Regimento Charter Goa Appellate Jurisdiction Historical legal document Impartiality challenges Institutional Framework Judicial Autonomy Judicial Powers Legal protocols Official judicial texts Ouvidor of Macao Portuguese colonial law Salaries for Officials Suspeição rules Suspension Procedures |
| topic_autocomplete | Appeals to Relação Court Bailiff subordinate Captaincy authority relations Cartas de Segura Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Conflict Resolution Dual role judge Escribãos Clerks Estado da Índia administration Financial accountability First-Instance Adjudication Formal Regimento Charter Goa Appellate Jurisdiction Historical legal document Impartiality challenges Institutional Framework Judicial Autonomy Judicial Powers Legal protocols Official judicial texts Ouvidor of Macao Portuguese colonial law Salaries for Officials Suspeição rules Suspension Procedures |
| topic_facet | Appeals to Relação Court Bailiff subordinate Captaincy authority relations Cartas de Segura Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction Conflict Resolution Dual role judge Escribãos Clerks Estado da Índia administration Financial accountability First-Instance Adjudication Formal Regimento Charter Goa Appellate Jurisdiction Historical legal document Impartiality challenges Institutional Framework Judicial Autonomy Judicial Powers Legal protocols Official judicial texts Ouvidor of Macao Portuguese colonial law Salaries for Officials Suspeição rules Suspension Procedures |
| url | https://macau-legacy.usj.edu.mo/docs/H4TRP9BU/viewer_H4TRP9BU.html |
| zotero_collection_key | 8AN6STDU LCHA3B7U PAAL2UHW |