Regimento (cópia) de D. Filipe I, rei de Portugal e de Espanha, ao ouvidor de Macau, que contem instruções para o desempenho das funções judiciais.

This document, "Titulo do Regimento do Ouvidor de Macáo nas partes da China," dated February 16, 1587, outlines the regulations for the Ouvidor (magistrate) of Macau, China. The Ouvidor will preside over civil and criminal cases, with appeals going to the Relação (high court) in Goa. Specific instructions are given for handling cases involving monetary or movable goods, real estate, and written contracts. Criminal cases will be heard jointly with the Capitão (Captain) of Macau, with a Vereador (councilor) acting as tiebreaker if needed. The Ouvidor also has jurisdiction over orphan's affairs, following established regulations. Two Escrivães (clerks) and a Meirinho (bailiff), who also serves as jailer, will assist the Ouvidor. Procedures are outlined for issuing legal writs (Cartas de Regimento), considering the distance to Goa. The Ouvidor's jurisdiction extends to cases involving up to 20,000 in movable goods and 20,000 in real estate, with appeals to the Relação for larger sums. Sentences involving capital punishment for individuals of noble rank require the Viceroy's approval. The Ouvidor can impose fines of up to 2,000 lees, and cannot imprison individuals without due process. The document also details administrative duties, salary (30,000 reis annually), staffing, record-keeping requirements, and interactions with Captains and the Viceroy. Jurisdiction over Chinese individuals within Macau is excluded. Finally, the document emphasizes the Ouvidor's authority, superseding any conflicting regulations, and mandates its registration in various official locations, including Goa.

AHU-Arquivo Historico Ultramarino Volume 1 - 001