Salem Falls, first published in 2001, encompasses many of Picoult's recurrent themes—the trials of adolescence, rape, courtroom drama, scientific analysis in crime, and the roles and responsibilities of parenthood. Thesis Statement There were many people accused of Salem witch trials among them were specifically females.
1. The afflicted person makes a complaint to the Magistrate about a suspected witch. The complaint is sometimes made through a third person.
- January 20, 1692- Betty Parris, Reverend Parris’ nine year old daughter, falls ill. Soon, other girls in Salem Village are likewise “afflicted.” Mid-February- D. William Griggs, village physician, examines the afflicted girls and pronounces their alarming behavior to be caused by bewitchment. February 25- Following the directions given to them by their neighbor Mary Sibley.
- By 1693 the trials were dwindling in intensity and all those accused had been pardoned and released from prison. Finally in 1697, the Massachusetts General Court declared a day of fasting for the victims of the Salem witch trials and they were later deemed unlawful.
2. The Magistrate issues a warrant for the arrest of the accused person.
Salem Witch Trials Courtroom Drawings
Salem Witch Trial Courtroom
3. The accused person is taken into custody and examined by two or more Magistrates. If, after listening to testimony, the Magistrate believes that the accused person is probably guilty, the accused is sent to jail for possible reexamination and to await trial.
4. The case is presented to the Grand Jury. Depositions relating to the guilt or innocence of the accused are entered into evidence.
5. If the accused is indicted by the Grand Jury, he or she is tried before the Court of Oyer and Terminer. A jury, instructed by the Court, decides the defendant's guilt.
6. The convicted defendant receives his or her sentence from the Court. In each case at Salem, the convicted defendant was sentenced to be hanged on a specified date.
Salem Witch Trials Courtroom Photos
7. The Sheriff and his deputies carry out the sentence of death on the specified date.