Galileo's Non-Trial (1616), Pre-Trial (1632–1633), and Trial (May 10, 1633): A Review of Procedure, Featuring Routine Violations of the Forum of Conscience
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Level 5 by design analogy; narrative historical and legal-procedural analysis.
OpenAlex W2580802870 · doi:10.1017/s0009640716001190
What was done
Analyzed the Roman Inquisition's proceedings against Galileo Galilei in 1616, 1632–1633, and May 10, 1633, against the rules of inquisitorial procedure codified in the 1582 Corpus juris canonici and decretals from the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative metrics. It documents that the Holy Office adapted procedures intended for public crimes to heresy investigations by forcing suspects to incriminate themselves regarding private beliefs. Galileo received an unexamined warning in 1616, was interrogated without formal charges in April 1633, and his May 10 guilty plea to favoring heliocentrism triggered an examination of private conscience under threat of torture.
Why it matters
Demonstrates how Holy Office procedural adaptations violated established canon law protections regarding the internal forum of conscience during Galileo's prosecution.
Limits
Single qualitative historical case analysis based on legal texts and trial records. Provides no quantitative data, and the abstract does not specify the full archival scope used.
Cited by
- supports Galileo Galilei was tried by the Roman Inquisition for promoting heliocentrism, forced to recant, and sentenced to lifelong house arrest.