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Salem Witch Trials (view source)
Revision as of 04:56, September 20, 2023
, 04:56, September 20, 2023→Executions: Misconception: burned at the stake
After many executions, a change in the rule of evidence for these trials excluded "spectral evidence," which was testimony by afflicted persons that they had been visited by a suspect's specter. With that change the subsequent trials resulted overwhelmingly in acquittals rather than convictions, and the later pardons were issued for several of those who had been convicted.<ref>http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/SAL_ACCT.HTM</ref>
After many executions, a change in the rule of evidence for these trials excluded "spectral evidence," which was testimony by afflicted persons that they had been visited by a suspect's specter. With that change the subsequent trials resulted overwhelmingly in acquittals rather than convictions, and the later pardons were issued for several of those who had been convicted.<ref>http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/SAL_ACCT.HTM</ref>
A common misconception about the executions is that people were burned at the stake. The misconception arises out of the fact that during the 300 year time period of witch hunting that took place in Europe, where people were in fact burned alive, that the practice must have also been happening in the colonies.<ref>[https://www.pastfactory.com/history/untrue-myths-about-colonial-america/10/ Untrue:Witches Were Burned At The Stake During The Salem Witch Trials]</ref>
==Victims==
==Victims==
The Court of Oyer and Terminer, over which [[Nathaniel Hawthorne]]'s ancestor presided as a judge, was active between June 2 and October 29, during which time they condemned 20 people to be hanged. Many more died in prison awaiting trial. After Governor Phips closed Oyer and Terminer, a new Supreme Court was begun and used to try any remaining witchcraft cases. This time no one was convicted - the Salem Witch Trials were over.
The Court of Oyer and Terminer, over which [[Nathaniel Hawthorne]]'s ancestor presided as a judge, was active between June 2 and October 29, during which time they condemned 20 people to be hanged. Many more died in prison awaiting trial. After Governor Phips closed Oyer and Terminer, a new Supreme Court was begun and used to try any remaining witchcraft cases. This time no one was convicted - the Salem Witch Trials were over.