A witchcraft trial was the legal proceeding which accompanied capture of a person accused to be witch. Generally they were by member their own local community. Brian Levack believes that in Europe alone there other 100000 people prosecuted for crimes involving witchcraft. Over half these suspects executed suspected crime. Hester feels most accusations deeply embedded within community also trials had profound effect on communities took place in. During course this essay I will exploring what exact affect upon communities. focusing occurred during early modern period time roughly stretches from 15th century until mid 18th century. The period is synonymous with witch trials. France Germany and Switzerland particular more prosecutions than any nations previously seen period. Early as “face face” societies where new each real interest neighbors business. This meant even an particularly various ways trials both divided united Europe. Despite horrific deaths suffered result argument suggest actually positive many Lawrence Stone argues temporary mass hysteria caused accusation witch temporarily bound together People able put aside differences had order better community joining together potential justice. bond would have felt could only benefit Within been often accumulate much support help them win case. Communities became citizen bind despite circumstances become In December 1651 petition 200 signatures sent Yorke Castle attempt Mary Hickington (an witch) released. There examples out 1653 two men paid Anne Pottin released Bail. Acts generosity unification showed strength had. Witch raise morale states witches scapegoats misfortune may experienced. For example when pigs died or children ill rather dwelling natural explanation becoming depressed over subject blame misfortune. helped rationalize problems kept up. cases persons anti social members who involved quarrelsome activities behavior overly aggressive. means removing troublesome characters invariably lower there. 17th Kent counts unneighborly conduct. Alice Roberts presented Canterbury court charged well causing between man his wife. Some view way almost purging communities taking away did not conform expected to. However genuinely feared power possessed. By putting executing protecting themselves children. elate fears benefit meaning one. James Sharpe cause divide. One divide richer poorer economic changes occurring main contributory factor rise hunting. Agricultural capitalism began introduced areas making money extremely important commodity contributed rich poor evident accusations. Historian Macfaralane found research generally accusers accused. dividing pitting against To take cost money fees clerical courts staff. If you simply financially unable accuse someone showing system favoured rich made pacts Devil material gain. looking down at poor feeling gain riches devil. New England Salem 1692 relief. Norway records describe convicted beggars. shows definite trend towards being victimized witches proving different classes. ‘charity refused’ paradigm one reason why continued Poorer ask land owners work offer refused individual go whilst cursing man. These curses perceived craft. belief feel less guilty about refusing them. gave separate served poor. However it said sense bridged gap Many counter sue character defamation charges. Showing justice proceedings equalizers escape it. Being guarantee conviction proven Fairfex gentry family West Yorkshire. He secure conviction he bewitching daughters high statues wealth 1562 elderly women named Joan Basden get threatening her debt she owed him basis afford pay back man so him instead use personal gain did. England ones some property legally entitled inherit conviction. change balance undermine superiors form available just elites but It stopped treating too harshly knew easily enact revenge accusing So fear caused civil another can major positive. Another feature life divided relationship male female members. Kieckhefer ratio south east under 90 percent all those women. fact “handful men” (Hester) accused sexist popular consensus was. discrimination negative does. Women roles very important. They cooking cleaning healing without thrived much. signaling persecution scaring angering vital organ body further stereotypes existed conceived weaker intellect counterparts witches. William Perkins susceptible “Devill’s illusions” due weak intellect. went discuss story Adam Eve prove theory always give temptation. creatures “sexual passion”. Witchcraft come carnal lust again build case heighten women conclude do think Accusing someone sought cheat system another Whether struggle general grudge your opponent disappear (either through execution imprisonment extradition community). seem like bleak full malice. urban tensions expression outlets energies completely into factions based class sex. With hard prosper capitalist Proving nothing part it across