Parliament of Navarre and Béarn facts for kids
The Parliament of Navarre and Béarn was an important court and government body in France. It was created in 1620 by King Louis XIII of France. This happened after the areas of Béarn and Lower Navarre became part of France.
The Parliament was formed by joining two older groups: the Conseil Souverain of Béarn (a top court) and the Chancery of Navarre (a government office). Its main job was to handle legal cases and some government tasks for the region.
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What Was the Parliament Like?
The Parliament had many members. It was led by a first president, chosen by the king. There were also seven special judges called présidents à mortier, and 46 counsellors who were like legal advisors. Two attorneys general and one prosecutor general also worked there, representing the king and the public in legal matters.
How the Parliament Was Organized
When it first started, the Parliament was split into three main sections, called Chambres (which means "chambers" or "rooms"). These were:
- The First Bureau
- The Second Bureau
- The Tournelle (which handled criminal cases)
Changes in 1691
In 1691, a new law called the Edict of 1691 made some big changes. It added two more groups to the Parliament:
- The Chambre des Comptes of Navarre: This group was in charge of checking government money and accounts.
- The Royal Mint of Navarre and Béarn: This was where coins were made.
These additions created a fourth Chambre called the Chambre des Comptes. The new, bigger Parliament was then called the Cour de Parlement, Comptes, Aides et Finance de Navarre. This new name showed that it now handled courts, accounts, taxes, and money matters for Navarre. The Pays de Soule, another region, also came under this Parliament's control.
Where Did the Parliament Work?
The Parliament of Navarre and Béarn was located in the city of Pau. It was housed in a building called the Palais de Justice, which means "Palace of Justice" or courthouse.
The Palais de Justice Building
The original courthouse was built in 1585 by order of Henry III of Navarre. It was built where the house of the Bishop of Lescar and St. Martin's Cemetery used to be. Sadly, the main building was destroyed by a fire in 1716. After the fire, it was rebuilt on the same spot in 1722.
When Did the Parliament End?
The Parliament of Navarre and Béarn stopped existing in 1789. This happened because of the French Revolution, which brought many big changes to France's government and laws.
See also
In Spanish: Parlamento de Navarra (Pau) para niños
- Estates of Navarre
