1. Initial Investigation: When an individual was accused of heresy or other offenses against the Church, they would undergo an initial investigation conducted by local ecclesiastical authorities. This could involve gathering information, testimonies, and evidence to determine if there were sufficient grounds for a formal trial.
2. Arrest and Imprisonment: If the investigation found evidence suggesting heresy, the accused individual could be arrested and imprisoned. Conditions in Inquisition prisons could be harsh, and individuals might be held for extended periods before their trials.
3. Interrogations: Accused individuals underwent interrogations to obtain confessions or admissions of guilt. These interrogations were often accompanied by psychological pressure and could lead to false confessions. Torture was used in some cases, although its prevalence and severity varied over time and location.
4. Trials and Judgments: Formal trials were conducted by inquisitorial tribunals, which included Church officials and sometimes legal experts. The accused had the opportunity to defend themselves, present witnesses, and challenge evidence. However, the proceedings were not as impartial as modern judicial systems, and the presumption of innocence did not always apply.
5. Punishments: Depending on the severity of the offenses and the individual's level of cooperation or repentance, the Inquisition could impose various punishments. These ranged from minor penances and public recantations to more serious consequences like imprisonment, galley service (forced labor on ships), or even capital punishment in extreme cases.
6. Public Acts of Faith (Autos-da-fé): In some regions, public ceremonies called Autos-da-fé were held where convicted heretics were sentenced and punished. These events often involved processions, sermons, and the reading of sentences, and they served as public displays of the Inquisition's power.
It is important to note that the severity and methods of the Inquisition varied over time, and not all accused individuals faced the same level of harsh treatment. The Inquisition's practices were influenced by the prevailing religious, social, and political contexts of their time. Today, the methods and practices of the Inquisition are widely regarded as violations of basic human rights and freedoms.