Crucible 3
Crucible 3Justice Systems In The Puritan Societies
Justice systems have changed greatly over the years. In the Puritan justice system, much has been improved. In 1692, in the town of Salem, many people lose their lives or are punished unfairly due to their justice system. Justice to Puritans really is not justice at all; it is a quick fix to a complicated problem. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the Puritan justice system is poorly illustrated due to the lack of evidence in trials, church influence in government, and in the setting.
With the witch trials in Salem, the lack of evidence has a large effect on many people’s lives. Someone can accuse another of a crime, and in almost no time at all, there will be a trial in the town court. Not only those who are personally affiliated with the crime are affected, everyone in the town is touched also. When Putnam states, “ She cannot bear to hear the Lord’s name… that’s a sure sign of witchcraft,” he jumps to conclusions about the girls being witches. Simply because he made this accusation, talk was stirred up in town. The townsfolk become highly agitated over this situation, and the scenario is blown completely out of proportion. Soon after this happens, trials dates are set.
The church has a great deal of influence over the government in The Crucible. Sins and crimes are very closely connected; whereas, if one is committed, the other is likewise. Since the authority of the church, such as reverends are looked at as “high and mighty” these “sinless” people are also often the heads of, or have a lot of say in the town’s government. At one point in the book, Reverend Hale declares: “…in my ignorance I find it hard to draw a clear opinion of them that come accused before the court…God forbid such a one be changed,...
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