The Salem Witch Trials was a major turning point in history. Before this event the colonies' idea of a justice system was an unorganized meeting in which those who were accused or even suspected to be guilty were sentenced without lawyers, investigations, or proof. So how did the Salem Witch Trials shape the world today? It gave us a new view on our Justice System and how we operate it.
During the trials of 1692 people were accused left and right of witchery and black magic. These simple accusations sent them to a trial where they had no lawyer. If the town agreed that they were guilty of witch craft they were immediately sentenced to death. Of course even if they did have any say during the trial no one would believe them but there was no jury, no lawyers, no rights, no investigations, and no hard proof to be presented. The Justice System during 1692 was unfair, unorganized, and sentences were given on a whim. Not only were they given on a whim they were all severe and immediate. There was no community service or jail time if you were found guilty. If you were stamped with the title 'Guilty' you were immediately sent to be executed.
So what is today's Justice System like?
Today's Justice System, thanks to the Salem Witch Trials, is organized and fair. Those accused today not only have a right to a lawyer, they have the right to choose their lawyer. There is no religion or racism in the modern court room and both the accused and the accuser have a chance to tell their side of the story. The judge is sworn to be unbiased and the jury have no ties with either party. There is always an investigation when needed and the defendant cannot be imprisoned (or worse) without the accuser having trustworthy and real proof that the defendant has done something wrong. Both sides are not guilty until proven to be guilty which means both sides will be believed. During the Salem Witch Trials none of this would be true. They did not have any of the freedoms you do know. Hadn't the events of 1692 ever occurred none of this would be true for today's court system. The trials basically opened the door to fairness and rights in the modern Justice System.
During the trials of 1692 people were accused left and right of witchery and black magic. These simple accusations sent them to a trial where they had no lawyer. If the town agreed that they were guilty of witch craft they were immediately sentenced to death. Of course even if they did have any say during the trial no one would believe them but there was no jury, no lawyers, no rights, no investigations, and no hard proof to be presented. The Justice System during 1692 was unfair, unorganized, and sentences were given on a whim. Not only were they given on a whim they were all severe and immediate. There was no community service or jail time if you were found guilty. If you were stamped with the title 'Guilty' you were immediately sent to be executed.
So what is today's Justice System like?
Today's Justice System, thanks to the Salem Witch Trials, is organized and fair. Those accused today not only have a right to a lawyer, they have the right to choose their lawyer. There is no religion or racism in the modern court room and both the accused and the accuser have a chance to tell their side of the story. The judge is sworn to be unbiased and the jury have no ties with either party. There is always an investigation when needed and the defendant cannot be imprisoned (or worse) without the accuser having trustworthy and real proof that the defendant has done something wrong. Both sides are not guilty until proven to be guilty which means both sides will be believed. During the Salem Witch Trials none of this would be true. They did not have any of the freedoms you do know. Hadn't the events of 1692 ever occurred none of this would be true for today's court system. The trials basically opened the door to fairness and rights in the modern Justice System.