The judicial system of Louisiana has its roots in the colonial governments established by France and Spain. Prior to 1712, there was nothing more than the personal rule of explorers. In that year, a French charter was granted creating a Superior Council with both executive and judicial powers. In 1716, the Council was reorganized and its judicial function was as a court of last resort for all civil and criminal cases, without cost to litigants. The Senior Councilor was president of both the Council and the general trial court for the territory. Subsequently, when the Western Company became the grantee of the charter, it was authorized to appoint and remove trial court judges.