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Abstract: In the 16th century at the states of Massachusetts, in the United States of America, individuals were brutally tortured in the name of punishment under law and religion. This event showcased the effect of religion blindsiding a community. Salem witch trials have influenced many scholars and philosophers to put forward their study on different aspects of the case in the form of sociological, historical, demographic interpretations. Since then several regulations have been introduced worldwide for a fair and just trial. Furthermore, laws protecting women have also been introduced and in certain aspects Salem Witch Trial plays an important role for the same. The paper intends to focus on the global impact of Salem Witch Trial to the women in present along with the theories put forward on the basis of the case. Furthermore, the paper intends to recall the injustice served in this case for decades and how it impacted the faith of the justice system globally among the individuals.
Keywords:-Witchcraft Trial, State, Criminal Justice, Salem, Injustice, Religion
1.HISTORY OF SALEM AND IDEOLOGY OF WITCHCRAFT
The interpretation of the idea on witchcraft was heavily influenced by Hebrew's Code and Bible. The practice of witchcraft was considered a sin, even centuries before the Salem Trials commenced. The ancient law of the Hebrews, Exodus 22:18[1] reads, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." This was later comprehended in the Bible 28:1[2] reads, "The Witch of Endor." Both of these statements suggested that witchcraft is a sin and that God shall punish him and his sons with death and destruction of this practice. As decades passed by, the ideology of witchcraft being an evil and sinful practice had developed in the human mind. Henceforth, the continuance of ideology affected the injustice served in the Salem witchcraft trials.
It was in 1672, when 'Salem Village' was considered as a 'Salem Town' after the construction of their first meetinghouse, hired their first minister and gained semi-independence.[3] Furthermore, every individual who resided in Salem village were members of the first church in Salem and every Sunday attended the meeting namely Sabbath.[4]
But gaining independence didn't mean the issues were resolved. Three Reverend Ministers resigned due to the financial difficulties. In 1689, the Salem Village Church hired its fourth...