This book provides a thorough reconsideration of Joan of Arcs 1431 trial, detailing the canon law of inquisitorial procedure and the ways in which the trial failed to follow the requirements. Kelly analyzes other trials of the time which did follow canon law: notably, Jean Ségueuts, which took place just before Joans.
The study discusses what sorts of offenses were considered to be heretical or offenses against the faith. In doing so, it shows the violations of due process committed in Joans trial, including weeks of interrogation before charges were levelled, and refusals of her appeals. The book also examines the 1455-56 trial that annulled the 1431 trial, exploring the activity (or lack thereof) between the trials. Kelly's consideration of these trials offers a new picture of a familiar historical figure.
Ch 1: Introduction.- Ch 2: Questions of Judges and Jurisdictions for the
Captured Joan.- Ch 3: Judgmental and Judicial Precedents.- Ch 4:
Interrogation Instead of Trial.- Ch 5: Trial Begun: Charges, Promises of
Proof, Denials.- Ch 6: Back to the Interrogation Responses.- Ch 7: Three
Confrontations: Pastoral, Pastoral, Coercive.- Ch 8: University Advice
Followed.- Ch 9: The Court at the Scaffold, May 24.- Ch 10: Sentenced as
Relapsed, without Trial.- Ch 11: Interim Assessments of the Prosecution of
Joan of Arc.- Ch 12: Expert Opinions on Joans Conviction Produced,
1452-1454.- Ch 13: The Arc Family Sues at the Papal Court, 1455.- Ch 14: The
Trial of Nullity Opens in Rouen.- Ch 15: The Arc Familys Case against Joans
Trial in 101 Articles.- Ch 16: Proving the Charges.- Ch 17: The Trial Ends.-
Ch 18: Historical Sequences.- Ch 19: Conclusion.
Henry Ansgar (Andy) Kelly is a Distinguished Research Professor of English at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. He served as Director of the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (now the CMRS Center for Early Global Studies) and editor of its Journal, Viator.