Furthermore, in 1346, ten years after the emergence of the Muromachi regime, the shōgun decentralized authority by giving the "shugo" the right to judge cases of crop stealing on the estates, and to make temporary assignments of land to deserving vassals taken from the imperialist forces. This was significant, insofar as traditional areas of Kamakura jurisdiction were "given up" by the Muromachi regime. Previously, all cases of crop stealing or land assignments were strictly under Kamakura administration. Also, about this time, the imperialist forces were suffering their worst defeats, opening up enemy land for confiscation and reassignment. By giving these new jurisdictions to the "shugo" lords, it further augmented their position as governors over their assigned provinces.