INQUISITORIAL

inquisitorial

(adjective) having the authority to conduct official investigations; “the inquisitorial power of the Senate”

inquisitorial

(adjective) marked by inquisitive interest; especially suggestive of an ecclesiastical inquisitor; “the press was inquisitorial to the point of antagonism”; “a practical police force with true inquisitorial talents”- Waldo Frank

inquisitorial

(adjective) especially indicating a form of prosecution in which proceedings are secret and the accused is questioned by a prosecutor who acts also as the judge

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adjective

inquisitorial (comparative more inquisitorial, superlative most inquisitorial)

Of or pertaining to an inquisition, specifically the Inquisition.

In a manner of inquisition or inquisitors.

(legal) Describing a trial system in which the prosecutor also acts as judge.

Source: Wiktionary

In*quis`i*to"ri*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. inquisitorial.]

1. Pertaining to inquisition; making rigorous and unfriendly inquiry; searching; as, inquisitorial power. "Illiberal and inquisitorial abuse." F. Blackburne. He conferred on it a kind of inquisitorial and censorious power even over the laity, and directed it to inquire into all matters of conscience. Hume.

2. Pertaining to the Court of Inquisition or resembling its practices. "Inquisitorial robes." C. Buchanan.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition