Massachusetts Bay Colony. A strong belief in the devil, factions among Salem Village fanatics, and rivalry with nearby Salem Town all played a part in the stress. There was also a recent small pox epidemic and the threat of an attack by warring tribes created a fertile ground for fear and suspicion. Soon prisons were filled with more than 150 men and women from towns surrounding Salem. They were put there because their names had been "cried out" by tormented young girls as the cause of their pain. Everyone waited for a trial of a crime punishable by death in 17th-century New England, the practice of witchcraft. Under the Massachusetts Bay Colony legal structure, those who were accused of consorting with the devil were considered felons. Today, a person must commit a serious crime, such as murder to be convicted of a felon.Because the Massachusetts Bay Colony was under British law, they had to follow the strict ways of the British. Therefore, a convicted "witch" had supposedly committed a crime against his or her government. This meant for a severe punishment, such as hanging. During the trials, many were executed. The following are the documented names: Bridget Bishop, George Burroughs, Martha Carrier, Martha Corey, Mary Easty, Sarah Good, Elizabeth Howe, George Jacobs, Sr., Susannah Martin, Rebecca Nurse, Alice Parker, Mary Parker, John Proctor, Ann Pudeator, Wilmott Redd, Margaret Scott, Samuel Wardwell, Sarah Wildes, and John Willard. Almost six months after Rebecca Parris' court date, the trial of Rebecca Nurse was held. The special Court of Oyer (to hear) and Terminer (to decide) sat in Salem to hear the cases of witchcraft. Presided over by Chief Justice William Stoughton, the court was made up of magistrates and jurors. The first to be tried was Bridget Bishop of Salem who was found guilty and was hung on June 10. Thirteen women and five men from all stations of life followed her to the gallows on three successiv...
