The Second Audiencia (high court) of New Spain was named in a royal decree dated January 12, 1530, following the disastrous First Audiencia of Nuño de Guzmán. Until the establishment of the viceroyalty of New Spain, the high court was the highest authority in New Spain. It included Bishop Ramírez de Fuenleal as president and Juan de Salmerón, Alonso de Maldonado, Francisco Ceinos and Vasco de Quiroga as "oidores" (judges). These individuals had been nominated by the bishop of Badajoz, who was also president of the Chancery of Valladolid. In contrast to the members of the first Audiencia, all of these men were honest, honorable and capable. All held the academic degree of licentiate ("licenciado").