Real Audiencia of Panama

The Royal Audience and Chancery of Panama in Tierra Firme was both a governing body and a superior court in the Spanish empire in the New World, and the third American audiencia after those of Santo Domingo and Mexico. It was created by Charles V in a royal decree of 26 February 1538, began sitting in Panama City in 1539, and existed in three separate installations before its final abolition by decree on 20 June 1751. Its district at various times ran from Nicaragua and Veragua to the borders of the audiencias of Quito and Santa Fe de Bogotá. The Recopilación de Leyes de las Indias of 1680 describes it as having a president who was also governor and captain general, four oidores who also judged criminal cases, a crown attorney and other officers. After 1739 its territory formed part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada.