He was allowed not only to have no legal adviser, but also was forbidden access to any books of reference or to any papers or to make any notes.

It was thus hoped that, having to trust entirely to his memory, the old man might be led into self-contradictions or to making damaging admissions against himself.

De Groot and Hoogerbeets had to undergo a similar, though less protracted, inquisition.

Such was its effect upon Ledenburg that he committed suicide.
It was not until February 20, 1619, that the States-General appointed an extraordinary court for the trial of the accused.

It consisted of twenty-four members, of whom twelve were Hollanders.
It is needless to say that such a court had no legal status; and the fact that nearly all its members were the Advocate's personal or political enemies is a proof that the proceedings were judicial only in name.