corregidor

A corregidor (Spanish: [korexiˈðoɾ]) was a local administrative and judicial official in the Spanish Empire. Corregidors were the representatives of the royal jurisdiction over a town and its district. The name comes from the Spanish word corregir, meaning "to correct". Monarchs used corregidors to strengthen royal authority in their colonies or districts, and because of the ties to the crown they were often seen as oppressive. A corregidor held the position of highest authority over a corregimiento. In the Spanish Americas and the Spanish Philippines, a corregidor was often called an alcalde mayor. Also in Spanish America, the magistrate of an Indian community was called corregidor de Indios, and these positions were bought from the Spanish government. They began to be appointed in Pre-S...