Document Record

Creator

Nouvelle-France. Conseil supérieur.

Title

Fonds du Conseil supérieur de la Nouvelle-France
Jugements et délibérations
Matières criminelles
Matières civiles
Insinuations
Greffe

Identifier

lac_mikan_162757
162757
MG 8 - A
R4072-0-2-F
Papers
French Canada
Foreign relations
oocihm.lac_mikan_162757

Document source

Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada

Language

French

Description

The Sovereign Council was a governing body in New France. It acted as both Supreme Court for the colony of New France, and as a policy making body, although, its policy role diminished over time. The council, though officially established in 1663 by King Louis XIV, evolved from earlier governing bodies. As early as 1647, a council of three was created by the King. In 1648, this council was widened to five members. The Sovereign Council became known as the Superior Council as early as 1703, when King Louis XIV issued a royal edict referring to it as the Superior Council instead of its former name, and increasing the number of sitting Councilors from seven to twelve. Initially, the Council consisted of the governor, the bishop, five councilors, the Attorney General and a clerk. The institution lasted from its introduction in 1663 to the fall of New France in 1760.
This collection consists of "judgments and deliberations" (minutes of Council meetings) and "innuendo" (registered documents transcribed by the Council). Other series include appearances at the Registry, reproductions of judgments of the State Council to the King, tax costs or various files.

URL

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_mikan_162757