Salem Witch Trials. Essay Example For Students

Salem Witch Trials. Essay The Salem witch trials were held during the year 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Beginning in May of that year, the proceedings led to the hanging deaths of nineteen suspected witches and the imprisonment of many others over the five months that would follow. The courtroom episodes of those being tried for witchery were complete, and utter travesties of justice. Women were actually considered guilty as accused until proven innocent. In addition to the known hangings, other cruel forms of punishment such as the burning of witches on a stake and the slow torturous human crushings by brick. That which is said to have initiated the trials and related hysteria has become an historical irony in our time and is the subject of many contemporary jokes and theatrical performances. Caused by the accusations of a few young girls against women in the Salem community; a special court was convened; and trials grew quickly into socially stereotypical prejudices regarding any women seen acting out of or performing witchery. Within time the social chaos did not even exclude Salems more prestigious women as the local governors wife was even implicated in accusations of witchcraft. The dramatic irony is re-exemplified through an examination of the young ladies who intentionally lied to a religious authority and created the ;spark; to cause the fire. Based entirely on their beliefs and accusations, the fear and ignorance of an entire town led to hundreds of imprisonments and nearly twenty senseless deaths. When community leaders did finally begin to cast doubt on evidence; special court was dissolved and those imprisoned were pardoned. When community leaders did finally begin to cast doubt on evidence; special court was dissolved and those imprisoned were pardoned. Eventually indemnities were paid to the families of those killed yet of the three judges who presided over the trials, only Samuel Sewall admitted error in a public statement The Salem witch trials were clearly Americas most notorious episode of witchcraft By September 22, the court had tried and convicted twenty-seven persons. Nineteen were hanged and one said to have been pressed to death by stones. In addition, about one hundred and fifty were in jail. With the jails overflowing, the hysteria abated. With this support the governor abruptly intervened and freed all who were in jail. In 1711, heirs of the alleged witches were voted compensation for their losses. As one can see the power of superstition and the hearsay can distort the truth. The Salem witch trials were horrifying and it changes many peoples lives.Words / Pages : 408 / 24 .