8220; McCarthyism”). One can clearly see the injustice of this statement. By changing the word “disprove” to prove justice might have a better chance of being served. By using “disprove”, all of the pressure is put on the shoulders of the accused. It is now in the hands of the accused to change the minds of others, not in the hands of the court to prove his wrongdoings. In The Crucible, Proctor laments the lack of hard evidence, but in supernatural crimes, the standards of evidence are not as hard and fast. The only “proof” is the word of the alleged victim of witchcraft. In these cases the accused becomes double bound because to deny their charges once they have been accused is considered an act of heresy. Presumption of guilt is very difficult to fight no matter how innocent one actually is. Hale eloquently puts the truth into words saying, “...I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it”(Miller). This statement is a symbol of true Justice and directly opposes all means of guilt by association. Change is essential when human beings address wrong behavior or perceived crimes by engaging in more wrong behavior and deeper crimes. In the end McCarthy found himself condemned for “ conduct contrary to senatorial traditions”(The Fight for America) because his tactics were unethical at best and highly unconstitutional at worst. In The Crucible the conclusion came when the craze and hysteria finally settled and not because witchcraft or any other crimes actually stopped. Nevertheless both scenarios left damage and fear for future generations. It is important to note that there is a distinct relationship between morality and legality. While the two are not exclusive, their relationship is only effective up to a point. That point is the line where civil and human liberties are respected and hysteria and fear tac...
