BETWEEN GRACE AND RIGHTS: NOTES ON HOW TO UNDERSTAND PETITIONS IN THE PORTUGUESE AMERICA (18^TH CENTURY)

Abstract

The article aims to problematize how to understand petitions in the Portuguese universe through a historiographical discussion on the “state of the art” of the theme in recent decades, taking in account their centrality as well as the main changes that occurred in their uses in the eighteenth century. I will argue that studying the paths that the demands took is fundamental to understand more systematically their whole; also, to expand the possibilities of thinking about them both from the multiple actions and social groups as well as from the contemporary recognition of what rights were. Without seeking to be exhaustive, the text intends to contribute to the discussion of the potentialities of the analysis of petitions, firstly, from studies considered fundamental today for their understanding in the modern world, at the intersection between history and law. Next, the article focuses on the colonial experience of Iberian-America, especially in the case of the appeals courts and councils, supporting that there is a joint experience between both monarchies that makes the historiography for Spanish America - much more extensive compared with the Portuguese - illuminate the understanding of Portuguese America.

Keywords:
Rights; justice; grievances; supplications; Iberian-America