I'm currently working on a historical novel and need some information.

 

Suppose a simple thief in Florence steals a nobleman's horse while that nobleman is going to drink in a tavern. But the thief is caught in the act and thrown into prison.

Could some kind of police have caught him? (Who was controlling the city life in 15th Italy?)

Are his chances good that he will get a trial before he gets punished (by being hanged, or hands/whatever) chopped off?)

I'm pretty sure he won't have an attorney, but that aside, would one or more judges and witnesses be present?

On the other hand, considering that there were many condemned people in prison back then, would they bother with giving them trials at all?

 

Thank you in advance

 

Nagini