The American Witch Trials P4

Last week I ended talking about many European countries at the time of the American Witch Trials. I stated that the due process rights in Europe ranged from non-existent to far behind those of New England.

Here are some examples in specialty courts in England, such as Admiralty Courts, Courts of High Commission, and Courts of Star Chamber, it was often the case that:

- The same individual served as judge, prosecutor, and jury, with no checks and balances;

- An individual charged with any crime whatsoever was always assumed to be guilty of that crime - there was no “innocent until proven guilty”

- A person could be charged with a crime without the accuser ever being known - and the accused was not permitted to confront the accuser.

- Hearsay evidence (that is, gossip and rumor) was accepted as fact;

- Attorneys could not offer a defense;

- An individual could be forced to give testimony against himself, and torture could be used to secure a self-incriminating confession. 

All of these practices violated Biblical standards. Therefore, Biblically-informed Puritan spiritual leaders pointed out to the civil leaders conducting the Witch Trials that the procedures used in the trials were wrong.

Content sourced from The American Story, The Beginnings by Dave Barton & Tim Barton