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......
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