Witchcraft trial
A witchcraft trial is, traditionally, a formal trial of a defendant which has been accused of witchcraft. While such trials occasionally occur, during the modern era, there is a general scientific belief that witchcraft is mythological, and thus, is not a crime which can be committed. The notion of a "witchcraft trial" (or "witchhunt") has come to refer to legal proceeding, in which, it is argued that innocent people are being treated unjustly; due to some degree of fear, prejudice, or panic that has led the plaintiffs to act unreasonably.
Traditional Witchcraft Trials
During the 16th and 17th Centuries (as well as other time periods), there were a significant number of persons charged with the "crime" of witchcraft. Those found "guilty" were often tortured and/or executed. Common forms of execution included burning and drowning. historically, the majority of such trials have been conducted within "Christian/European/America cultures; this is probably due to a section of the Bible which states: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
While the modern notion of a "witchhunt" has little to do with gender, the historical notion often did. In general, supposed "witches" were female. Noted Judge Nicholas Rémy (c.1595), "[It is] not unreasonable that this scum of humanity, [witches], should be drawn chiefly from the feminine sex." Concurred another judge, "The Devil uses them so, because he knows that women love carnal pleasures, and he means to bind them to his allegiance by such agreeable provocations." (Joseph Klaits)
See Salem witch trials.
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