Why was torture used in the 16th century?

Torture in the 16th century was primarily used as a means of extracting confessions, punishing criminals, and deterring potential offenders. Legal systems of the time often relied on torture to obtain information, especially in cases of serious crimes like heresy, treason, or witchcraft. Additionally, it served as a public spectacle to reinforce state power and societal norms, reflecting the period's harsh views on justice and morality. The use of torture was also justified by the belief that it could reveal the truth, despite the moral and ethical implications.