What legal systems were implemented to govern new territories in the Americas?

The legal systems implemented to govern new territories in the Americas were primarily Spanish, French, and British colonial laws.

The Spanish, French, and British empires each established their own legal systems to govern their respective territories in the Americas. These systems were largely based on the legal traditions of their home countries, but were also influenced by the unique circumstances of colonial rule.

The Spanish Empire implemented the Laws of the Indies, a comprehensive set of guidelines issued by the Spanish Crown for the governance of its American and Philippine colonies. These laws covered a wide range of issues, from the treatment of indigenous peoples to the organisation of colonial governments. They were based on Roman and Spanish law, but also incorporated elements of indigenous legal traditions. The Laws of the Indies were enforced by a complex bureaucracy, which included the Council of the Indies in Spain and various colonial officials in the Americas.

The French Empire, on the other hand, implemented the Custom of Paris as the basis of its legal system in New France (now Canada). This was a form of civil law, which is based on written codes rather than case law. The Custom of Paris covered a wide range of issues, including property rights, marriage, and inheritance. It was enforced by a system of royal courts, which were overseen by the Sovereign Council of New France.

The British Empire implemented common law in its American colonies. This is a system of law that is based on precedent, meaning that it evolves over time through the decisions of judges. The British also established a system of colonial charters, which granted certain rights and privileges to the colonists. These charters were often the source of conflict between the colonists and the British Crown, particularly in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

In addition to these European legal systems, indigenous legal traditions also continued to exist in many parts of the Americas. These systems were often based on customary law, which is a type of law that evolves over time through the practices and beliefs of a community. However, these indigenous legal systems were often marginalised or suppressed by the colonial powers.