The Solidarity Principle, Francisco de Vitoria and the Protection of Indigenous Peoples

Abstract

This chapter intends to acknowledge that, even of course circumscribed by the political and social problems of Francisco de Vitoria lifetime, the celebrated University theologist deserves up to now to be qualified as one of international law's eminent founders. It discusses relectio prior , in order to distinguish itself from a posterior statement on the Indians ( De Indis, relectio posterior ), and contains three sections. The first section discusses issues of legal and religious character, the second section focuses on the alleged illegitimate titles for the reduction of the aborigenes of the New World under the power of the Spanish people or governor and the third section focuses on De Indis that deals with the lawful titles whereby the Spaniards could get in contact with native people located in the new continent, on the basis of natural society and fellowship. Keywords:Francisco de Vitoria; relectio prior