The Response of authorities to witchcraft and its impact on society Flashcards
Why were the girls accused believed?
- The accused fitted the stereotype
- Involvement of the Putnams
How did the arrest process start?
Putnams took accusations to the JPs who issued a warrant
Who did Sarah Good accuse?
Sarah Osbourne
What did Tituba admit?
An approach from the devil and that Good/Osbourne were involved
How many were accused?
165
How many faced serious charges?
39
What was the Court of Oyer and Terminer?
Special court to investigate wrongdoings in Salem
How many times did the court meet between June-September 1692?
5 times
When was the first trial?
2nd June
Who questioned the accused?
Stoughton, Hawthorne and Sewell
What was spectral evidence?
Evidence from people who claimed they had visions
Why was spectral evidence seen as unreliable?
The devil could impersonate innocent people
What were the 20 put to death charged for?
Maleficum
Why was the validity of courts doubted?
- Trials very quick
- Defendants had to speak for themselves
- Gossip accepted as evidence
How many of those charged were admitted guilty?
1/3
When and who was the first execution?
10th June, Bridget Bishop
How many had been hanged by 22nd September?
19
Who argued that spectral evidence should be used cautiously?
Cotton Mather
What did Mather do that was significant?
Overthrew the Dominion of England
Why did the hunt come to an end?
- Opposition from church ministers such as Increase and Cotton Mather
- Actions of Phips in the O+T court
What court couldn’t use spectral evidence?
The Superior Court of Judicature
