The trials held for the Salem Witches weren't exactly what we would picture one to be like today. These trials were unfair, corrupt, and biased. The accused were almost always declared guilty, and in many cases, telling the truth and pleading innocent made things even worse. Courts that dealt with these trials typically had five different types of evidence:
1. Passing a Test: for example, reciting the Lord's Prayer
2. Physical Evidence: but not in the way you would think!
3. Witness Testimony: others could contribute to the decision of the trial; not just the accuser
4. Spectral Evidence: the supernatural side
5. Confession: claiming innocence could actually make it worse
1. Passing a Test: for example, reciting the Lord's Prayer
- This task seems simple enough, but many of the young girls who attended the
trials would scream and cause terrible disturbances during the test, making it
very difficult to complete.
2. Physical Evidence: but not in the way you would think!
- Birthmarks, moles, warts, and other blemishes were seen as potential portals for
Satan to enter the body. Having blemishes was believed to be possible evidence
that someone was a witch.
3. Witness Testimony: others could contribute to the decision of the trial; not just the accuser
- Anyone who could attribute their misfortune to the sorcery of the accused person
might help with the conviction.
4. Spectral Evidence: the supernatural side
- It was believed by the Puritans that Satan could not take the form of an
unwilling person. - If anyone saw a ghost or spirit in the form of
the person on trial, it means they must be a witch.
5. Confession: claiming innocence could actually make it worse
- In several cases, pleading guilty was the only way out.
- Many would confess by throwing themselves down for mercy and promising repentance.
However, repentance sometimes included convicting other innocent people in your
place. - None of the confessors were executed.