I just visited Venice and learned about their interesting political system of electing doges, and then later having a Council of Ten whose responsibility it was to unearth any treasonous schemes and prosecute accordingly. There was a period where people could denounce others anonymously by posting a letter through a lion’s mouth letterbox. From the 1530s, State Inquisitors were introduced and they had the power to hold secret trials with a low standard of proof.
All this has really captured my imagination and I thought it would make an excellent setting for a book, so I’m hoping some of you may have suggestions!
by Maytbesh