This Library PDF version is for the use on an institutional computer only. To purchase your own copy of the book with enhanced functionality go to www.publishersrow.com
<< Chapter >>
Home | TOC | Index
CHAPTER V THE INQUISITIONAL PROCEDURE AND THE AUTO-DA-FÈ WITHIN comparatively few years of its establishment, the Inquisition had evolved an elaborate procedure of its own. This was laid down in a number of handbooks, of which that of 1561 became authoritative in Spain. In Portugal, the organization of the tribunals of the neighboring country served as model, the differences being negligible.1 When a new tribunal was established at any place, an “Edict of Grace” would generally be published, inviting those persons conscious of having committed heretical actions in the past to come forward and confess their crimes, on the understanding that they would receive merciful treatment. A time limit, generally of thirty or forty days, known as the “Term of Grace,” was assigned for this purpose. After the lapse of this period, guilty persons were liable to be proceeded against with all the rigor of the Inquisition. Those who presented themselves under the Edict of Grace would be required to denounce all others with whom they had associated or whom they knew to be guilty of similar offences; hence the Holy Office was generally provided with a vast mass of information which kept it busy for some time to come. At later stages, an “Edict of Faith” would periodically be issued. This summoned all the faithful, under pain 99
