Absolute Proof of the Identity of Diego de Leyva and his Origin in Lorca

Diego de Leiva ( Capitán , 29 años de edad ) Lorca . España OVIEDO , pp . 115 , 116 ; y Juicios de Residencia Los Welser , T . I , p . 512 [source]

A juicio de residencia (literally, judgment of residence) was a judicial procedure of Castilian law and the Laws of the Indies. It consisted of this: at the termination of a public functionary's term, his performance in office was subject to review, and those with grievances against him were entitled to a hearing. This was largely an automatic procedure, and did not imply prior suspicion of misconduct. The official was not allowed to leave the place where he exercised his authority, nor to assume another office, until the conclusion of this judicial inquiry. Generally, the person charged with directing the inquiry, called the juez de residencia (residence judge), was that individual already named to succeed to the position. The penalties for conviction varied, but generally consisted of fines.