Предпосылки принятия Бургосских законов

Вопросы российского и международного права. 2025. Т. 15. № 2А. С. 56–60.

Демирчян Л. С.

The adoption of the Laws of Burgos in 1512 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Spain's

colonial policy in the New World, reflecting the complex process of legal norm formation during

colonization. This study examines the socio-political, economic, and religious factors that led to this

legislative act, with particular focus on the role of Dominican friar Antonio de Montesinos, whose

sermons against the mistreatment of indigenous peoples served as a catalyst for reform. The analysis

includes the influence of the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) and the stance of the Catholic Monarchs,

Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. The paper traces the evolution of the encomienda

system, which became the primary focus of the Laws of Burgos' regulations. These legal norms are

shown to have a contradictory nature—while attempting to protect indigenous rights, they

simultaneously legitimized their exploitation. Special emphasis is placed on the laws' historical

significance as the first European attempt to legally regulate relations with colonized peoples. The

research draws on primary source analysis and contemporary historiographical approaches to assess

this legal landmark.

Keywords: История Испании, Spanish Monarchy, history of Spanish America, Испанская монархия, Laws of Burgos 1512, colonial law, New World, encomienda system, conquistadors, indigenous rights, Ferdinand of Aragon, Isabella of Castile, Antonio de Montesinos, Treaty of Tordesillas, Бургосские законы 1512 года, колониальное право, Новый Свет, система энкомьенды, конкистадоры, права коренного населения, Фердинанд Арагонский, Изабелла Кастильская, Антонио де Монтесинос, Тордесильясский договор.