Italian jurist whose Praxis et Theorica Criminalis (1616) was the strongest influence on penology in Roman-law (Roman law) countries until the reforms of the criminologist (criminology)-economist Cesare Beccaria (Beccaria, Cesare) (1738–94). The Praxis is most noteworthy as the definitive work on the jurisprudence of torture.

After studying law at Padua and earning a reputation as an advocate, Farinacci entered papal service under Clement VIII and was procurator general to Paul V. A staunch churchman, Farinacci upheld the inviolability of the confessional seal (i.e., the guarantee that a confession is between the confessor, the priest, and God alone) against all theories of state necessity.