The Inquisitorial Process Flashcards
What was the period of grace in the inquisitorial process?
A period of amnesty where heretics who came forward could be absolved without fear of prosecution.
How were heresy trials conducted?
Trials were private and all depositions were carefully recorded. Suspects did not know who their accusers were, nor their specific offenses.
Why did suspects submit a list of personal enemies?
To guard against false denunciations.
How did the accused defend themselves in the inquisitorial process?
It was difficult to plead innocence, since the accused could not employ a counsel or call witnesses. They could appeal to the pope, but it was extremely expensive.
What were the canonical penances given to those who confessed?
Penance could vary in severity from pilgrimage to a local shrine, payment of alms, or service in the Holy Land.
What was the punishment for those who refused to repent or relapsed into heresy?
They were handed over to secular authorities to be burnt.
How did perfecti rise quickly in the inquisitorial process?
Those who repented of heresy could rise quickly. For example, Raynier Sacconi became a Dominican in 1245 and the Lombardy Chief Inquisitor in 1254.
When was the use of torture licensed by Innocent IV in the inquisitorial process?
In 1252, Innocent IV licensed the use of torture by inquisitors, on the condition that this did not lead to the shedding of blood, mutilation, or death.
How often was torture used in the Southern French Inquisition?
There are only three examples of torture being used in Southern French Inquisition records.
