The Ecclesiastical Judgement of Maranhão colonial: crimes and sentences

Abstract

Studies on the ecclesiastical judgments are rare. These courts were important in trying to discipline of social life. The Church exercised their religious and moral activity through these judgments. All bishoprics had courts, but searches are insufficient. This text analyzes the performance of judgment to the bishopric of Maranhão in 18th century. This investigation examines the processes, the reported and the crimes that have been prosecuted in this Court.