The Jews of Europe and the Inquisition of Venice, 1550-1670

About this book

The policy of the Inquisition in Venice regarding Conversos was an expression of its willingness to compromise with the state in order to avoid conflict. The Venetian Inquisition acted merely as an extension of the state. It was restricted to preserving public order and morals and dealt with offenses against conventional civil behavior. The state was interested in punishing heresy only if it also involved betrayal or rebellion, and this attitude set the political context for Inquisitional policy. Describes the Inquisition's organization and methods, and deals with the legal status of the Jews and Conversos in the city.