Note 9 — Chapter III · THE JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE AUDIENCIA
Reading edition
Cases of first instance were tried by inferior judges who were below the category of oidores.9 As noted in a former chapter, these judges were the alcaldes ordinarios, alcaldes mayores, and corregidores. The former tried civil and criminal cases in the towns and cities and the last two exercised extensive jurisdiction in the provinces. Cases were appealed from them to the audiencia.10 The audiencia was forbidden to concern itself with cases of first instance, excepting certain criminal suits which originated within five leagues of Manila.11