Explore the history and limits of an enduring church institution. This critical study examines how coercive power evolved around the Inquisition and what it meant for faith, law, and society.
Across centuries, the author traces the Inquisition from its origins to its later forms, placing the institution in its historical and moral context. The book argues for an objective, honest look at the record, weighing biases, legal practices, and the influence of church and state on outcomes. It presents the case for careful inquiry into how punishment, governance, and doctrinal enforcement shaped medieval civilization.
- How inquisitorial powers emerged and why they took shape in the Middle Ages
- The roles of popes, councils, and legal experts in guiding or restricting penalties
- Insights into trial procedures, expert testimony, and the administration of justice
- Examination of prison conditions, reforms, and the use of the secular arm
Ideal for readers of religious history, church history, and studies of law and society.