inquisitorial

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

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

having the authority to conduct official investigations

• “the inquisitorial power of the Senate”