Procedures During the Inquisition

The Inquisitor would often preach about the sin of heresy in the town square or church.
During preaching he would first present his listeners with an Edict of Faith, a list of instructions explaining how to identify a heretic.
Afterwards the Inquisitor would allow a grace period of one through four weeks were voluntary confessions were sought.
 During this time period the Inquisitors would also accumulate information about those reported to be heretics.
After the period of grace was over, those who had not confessed by choice were at risk of being accused.
In order to begin the prosecution only two witnesses were required.
Often times, it was encouraged for family members and neighbors to testify against each other.
Subjects were not told the name of those who accused them; however they were allowed to write a list
of people who might hold grudges against them. If an accuser was motioned on their list, the suspect was allowed to be set free.
For those who were left behind, they were not allowed to call witnesses to their defense.
They were generally imprisoned for three to four years and were endlessly encouraged to confess their sins.
Those who gave in and agreed to provide a list of other heretics would be let off with minor penances.
Those who did not confess would suffer from torture until admitting there immorality.
The last procedure in the Inquisitorial process was the Act of Faith.
This involved reading the sentences of the heretics in the town square or church.
Those sentenced to death were burned at the stake and the goods of their family would be seized