No habrán de faltar pájaros para encerrar en esa jaula”. Un estudio inicial sobre la creación del juzgado y cárcel nacional en la provincia de San Juan (1864-1870)

Abstract

After the military triumph in Pavón in 1861, the exercise of political power in San Juan fell into the hands of the liberal elite who dedicated themselves to combating the demonstrations in dissent with the nascent order. The methodologies of action used for this purpose were different and depended on the type of crime committed: rebellion, sedition, collusion with the Montonera, etc.; as well as the political affiliation, contributory capacity and social status of the subjects who participated in such acts.

The learned judges belonging to the provincial justice organization understood these crimes to be considered national security. A situation that remained in force for four years, despite the promulgation of laws on the creation of national courts, defining their jurisdiction and competence (1862-1863).

Although the national courts were created with the objective of ruling on cases that compromised the peace and security of the nation, in San Juan they were not present until four years later. The present work seeks to investigate the first indications of the operation of the San Juan section national court, the possible reasons for its late location; as well as the construction/installation of the first national prison in the province.