The Witch, the Church, and the Law

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries a convergence of political, social, and religious movements produced thousands of trials for crimes of witchcraft, sorcery, and superstition throughout Europe and in North America. This course explores these trials, particularly emphasizing their legal and ecclesiastical aspects. Related issues of popular belief in sorcery, magic, and diabolical activity will also be considered. Attention will be devoted to the question of why women were so frequently among the accused.