Salem Witch trials

If accused of being a witch, the courts could use the following evidence against you in 1692: 1. Witches are unable to shed tears, so if you’ve cried recently, this disproves you are a witch. 2. Birthmarks on the body can be interpreted as the “Devil’s mark.” 3. Witches use animals as agents to carry out the devil’s commands. Owning pets is a sign that you are a witch. 4. Witches believe in and perform magic. 5. 76% of Accused witches were females and 24% males, ranging in age from 4- 71 years old. In 1692, females were considered more likely to give into witchcraft.

Additional signs of being a witch in salem 1692: You do not follow strict Puritan practices/ values closely enough You are related to an accused witch. You value “evil” things such as wealth and money. If accused of being a witch, we also assume that you: can fly cast spells on others, have evil rituals, meet with other witches have made a pact with the devil

Discussion Questions 1. Were the accusations presented in a fair way of deciding someone’s guilt or innocence? Why? 2. In 1692, many people had to go to trial just because someone else accused them of being a witch. What problem do you see with this practice? 3. In 2015, if you are accused of a crime, what does our current system of government offer to those who are accused? 4. What lesson(s) can we learn from the Salem Witch Trials?

Lessons learned from salem witch trials: Right to a fair trial Innocent Until Proven Guilty Separation of Church and State Religious Freedom