The Spanish Machine

The Spanish Inquisition was the most organized. Established by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1478, it was technically a royal institution that the Church endorsed:

• It primarily targeted conversos — Jews who had converted to Christianity but were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism
• The accused were not told who had accused them or what specific evidence existed
• Torture was legally limited to 15 minutes per session, but sessions could be repeated indefinitely by calling each one "a continuation"

Property of the condemned was confiscated by the Crown, creating a direct financial incentive to convict.