This chapter offers the sociology of the earliest inquisitions in Mexico, from 1522 to 1571. An explanation is given of the difference between the Spanish Inquisition, a centralized Holy Office, and local inquisitions operating under the aegis of a bishop, which were numerous in New Spain before the establishment of the Holy Office in Mexico in 1571. A discussion is presented of the important role of Mexico’s first bishop, Juan de Zumárraga, in pursuing a vigorous inquisition between 1536 and 1541. The chapter also shows that there were no mass witch crazes in Mexico. Criminal prosecution of witchcraft fell to both royal (criminal) courts and to inquisitions operating by authority of a bishop. A discussion is also presented of the importance of canon law and the medieval bulls Canon episcopi and Ad abolendam in establishing the authority of bishops to investigate and punish heresy and witchcraft. Furthermore, an overview is given of local inquisitions operating in New Spain in Mexico, Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Zacatecas. The chapter shows how little emphasis was placed on punishing idolatry or sorcery in these local inquisitions.