inquisitorial

/ɪnˌkwɪzɪˈtɔriəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to or like an inquisitor; asking questions in a very thorough, sometimes harsh way.
    • The lawyer's inquisitorial tone during the cross-examination was intimidating.
    • My mother has an inquisitorial habit of asking about every detail of my day.
    • Her inquisitorial stare made me feel like I was being interrogated.
  2. Describing a legal system where the judge actively investigates the case, rather than just listening to arguments.
    • The inquisitorial model is common in many European countries.
    • France uses an inquisitorial system, where the judge gathers evidence and questions witnesses.
    • In inquisitorial courts, the judge plays a much more active role than in adversarial systems.
Antonyms
What does "inquisitorial" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean