Some illegalities in the trials against the Templars

Abstract

The paper is a critical presentation and discussion of documentation demonstrating illegal elements in Italian judicial proceedings against the Templars; in particular the author identifies cases of violation of the confidentiality principle typical of the Medieval investigation procedure as well as cases of violation of the legal principle known as "ne bis in idem" which originated in Roman times but emerged again and became consolidated with the rediscovery of Roman law during the Middle Ages to safeguard people who had been acquitted. The latter could not be subject to another criminal or investigation proceeding for the same facts, even if considered differently in terms of title, degree and circumstances.