Legal developments in the prosecution of witches

Question 1

What did the old accusatory system require?

Answer 1

A sworn statement

Question 2

What used to be used to test if someone was a witch?

Answer 2

They’d be thrown in water: if they float, they’re a witch but if they drowned they were innocent

Question 3

Why did the accusatorial system decline?

Answer 3

Relied on the accuser coming forward

Question 4

What new system was developed by what courts?

Answer 4

Inquisitorial system; secular and ecclesiastical courts

Question 5

What did the inquisitorial system consist of?

Answer 5

The judge investigating the crime and determining whether they were guilty - through interrogation

Question 6

Why was this process difficult to apply to witchcraft?

Answer 6

Difficult to find a witness who could prove maleficium had been committed

Question 7

What did judges often depend on?

Answer 7

Confessions

Question 8

How were confessions often gained?

Answer 8

Torture

Question 9

When did secular courts overtake ecclesiastical courts?

Answer 9

1560

Question 10

Why did secular courts take over?

Answer 10

Witchcraft seen as a political crime

Question 11

Where were church courts subordinate to secular courts?

Answer 11

Protestant states