Dimensión judicial de las iglesias hispanas en época visigoda y derecho de asilo

In this paper I focus on the analysis of the jurisdictional function of the clerics of the Hispanic churches during the period of Visigothic domination in the Iberian Peninsula (ss. VI-VII). Based on the study of the secular, conciliar and literary sources that have been preserved to us, emphasis is placed on the important intervention of the clergy in the jurisdiction of the kingdom, both of the bishops, its hierarchical elite, and also of the presbyters and deacons, these latter two orders in their capacity as rectors of the rural churches. On the other hand, the specific work of the clergy in cases of ecclesiastical asylum is also investigated. In addition to the relevance of the judicial function of bishops, it is noted that the jurisdictional tasks that could also involve priests and deacons, and therefore the leaders of rural churches, were very notable. This confirms the importance that the institution of the asylum came to acquire in the group of churches scattered throughout the geography of the kingdom throughout this historical period examined.