The **Inquisition** had a profound legacy in medieval Europe, serving as a tool of the **Catholic Church** to combat **heresy** and enforce orthodoxy. It created a climate of fear, leading to widespread persecution of accused witches, **Jews**, and other minorities. Its procedures included intense interrogation, often resulting in **torture** and execution. The Inquisition contributed to the **centralization of power** within the church and influenced legal systems across Europe. Its practices established a framework for future **secular** and **religious** tribunals, and its legacy lingers in modern discussions about **freedom of belief** and **human rights**.