TORTURE, THE DEATH PENALTY AND DUEL IN THE WORK OF THE LEARNED ACADEMICS

Abstract

Throughout its 300-year old history, the Real Academia Española has made crucial contributions to the Spanish language and Spanish culture. However, notwithstanding the work carried out by the institution, we must also give individual recognition for influential works of all orders to those persons who were academics during that time – including works which led to improvements in coexistence and guarantees of rights of the individual. This article narrates the great struggle for freedom in the face of State-sponsored repression which was arbitrary, disproportionate, unpredictable and cruel, and its reflection in the work of three notable academics of the RAE: Lardizábal, Jovellanos y Meléndez Valdés.