Judicial Scepticism Flashcards
1
Q
When was Sir John Holt appointed to Lord Chief justice?
A
1689
2
Q
What did Sir John Holt do as Lord Chief?
A
- Rational and sympathetic judge
- 12 witchcraft trials he presided over the acquitted all of the accused.
- He demanded firm proof and in the case of Sarah Murdoch, who had already been acquitted by a magistrate but was targeted by a mob, Holt placed the accuser on trial.
- Wenham benefitted from his policy of placing the accuser on trial.
3
Q
Who is Sir George Mackenzie?
A
- Scottish Lawyer and Lord Advocate (Chief Legal Officer)
- Concerned about the legitimacy of witchcraft trials after Scottish witch hunt - 1661-62
- Represented an accused witch Maevia in court.
- 1678 - published Laws and Customs of Scotland in Matters Criminal
- Witches possible most accused were not legitimate
- When freeing he found evidence of foul play and torture to threw out the cases.
4
Q
What did Sir George Mackenzie publish?
A
1678 - published Laws and Customs of Scotland in Matters Criminal
- True witches deserved punishment
- Laid blame on careless judges finding innocent people guilty
- He believed traditional views that witches were deceived but not necessarily by evil
- Doubted Devil would offer riches to people
5
Q
In which publication can we find a record of John Holts career?
A
Francis Hutchinson
An Historical Essay Concerning Witchcraft
1718.
6
Q
Give some examples of women John Holt got acquitted
A
Total 11/12 acquitted inc:
- 1694 - Mother Munnings
- 1694 - Margaret Elnore
- 1695 - Mary Guy
- 1696 - Elizabeth Horner of Exeter
- 1701 - Sarah Murdock
7
Q
Who was the last witch executed in England and Scotland?
A
- Alice Molland of Exeter
- Murdered 3 people in 1682
- Hung 1684
- Janet Horne burnt in tar barrel 1727
