Definition
The term Inquisition can apply to any one of several institutions which fought against heretics (or other offenders against canon law) within the justice system of the Roman Catholic Church. The term Inquisition is usually applied to that of the Catholic Church. It also refers to:
- an ecclesiastical tribunal,
- the institution of the Catholic Church for combating heresy,
- a number of historical expurgation movements against heresy (orchestrated by some groups/individuals within the Catholic Church or within a Catholic state), or
- the trial of an individual accused of heresy.
Generally, the Inquisition movement was concerned only with the heretical behaviour of Catholic adherents or converts, and did not concern itself with those outside its jurisdiction, such as Jews or Muslims.
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