History The Spanish Inquisition Questions
The different tribunals in the Spanish Inquisition had specific roles and responsibilities. The roles of these tribunals were as follows:
1. Suprema: The Suprema was the highest tribunal in the Spanish Inquisition. It was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of all other tribunals. The Suprema had the power to review and approve or reject the decisions made by lower tribunals.
2. Tribunal del Santo Oficio: This tribunal, also known as the Tribunal of the Holy Office, was responsible for conducting investigations, trials, and sentencing of individuals accused of heresy or other crimes against the Catholic Church. It had the authority to arrest, interrogate, and punish those found guilty.
3. Tribunal de Censura: The Tribunal of Censorship was responsible for monitoring and censoring books, manuscripts, and other forms of literature. Its role was to ensure that no materials promoting heresy or dissenting from Catholic teachings were circulated.
4. Tribunal de la Fe: The Tribunal of the Faith was responsible for enforcing religious orthodoxy and punishing those who deviated from it. It had the authority to investigate and prosecute cases related to religious offenses, including blasphemy, witchcraft, and apostasy.
5. Tribunal de la Cruzada: The Tribunal of the Crusade was established to enforce the decrees of the Spanish Inquisition during the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from Muslim rule. Its role was to identify and punish individuals who were suspected of secretly practicing Islam or aiding the Muslim rulers.
Overall, the different tribunals in the Spanish Inquisition worked together to maintain religious orthodoxy, suppress heresy, and ensure the dominance of Catholicism in Spain.