Sir John Holt Flashcards
(22 cards)
Who served as Lord Chief Justice from 1689 to 1710?
Sir John Holt
Holt is known for his sceptical approach to witchcraft trials.
What was Sir John Holt’s notable approach to cases of witchcraft?
He secured acquittal after acquittal due to his critical approach to evidence and suspicion of supernatural events.
Who was Sir George Mackenzie?
A Scottish lawyer and Lord Advocate known for his scepticism regarding witchcraft trials.
What did Mackenzie argue about true witches?
He believed that true witches deserved punishment but blamed careless judges for wrongful convictions.
What is maleficium in the context of witchcraft?
Maleficium refers to harmful magic or witchcraft that causes harm to others.
What did Mackenzie question about the Devil’s offerings to witches?
He doubted that the Devil would offer riches to people, as most accused witches were destitute.
What legal irregularities did Mackenzie note in witchcraft cases?
He pointed out that normal legal procedures were not followed and that false confessions often resulted from torture.
What was the Scottish witch-hunt of 1661–62?
A series of witch trials in Scotland resulting in at least 660 individuals being named as witches.
What role did Holt play during the transition of power from James II to William III?
He was involved in the negotiations and was appointed Lord Chief Justice by William III.
How many witchcraft trials did Holt oversee, and what was the outcome?
At least 11 trials, all resulted in the acquittal of the accused.
In which year did Holt acquit two women accused of witchcraft in Frome, Somerset?
1691
What was significant about the case of Mother Munnings in 1694?
Holt refused to accept evidence regarding events that occurred 17 years earlier.
What occurred in the case of Elizabeth Horner in 1696?
She was accused of causing the possession of three children and was acquitted by Holt.
What was Holt’s stance on the accusations made by Richard Hathaway against Sarah Murdock?
Holt put Hathaway on trial for fraud instead of convicting Murdock.
Who was the last witch executed in England?
Alice Molland of Exeter
What was the outcome of the 1736 repeal of the Witchcraft Act?
Belief in witchcraft persisted, but the law shifted focus to punishing fraudulent cases.
Fill in the blank: The last witch trial in England occurred in _______.
1717
What story illustrates John Holt’s attitude towards witchcraft accusations?
The story of Holt curing a girl with a written parchment as a young man.
What did Holt do when he recognized the parchment in a witchcraft case?
He dismissed the charges against the accused woman.
True or False: Sir John Holt was known for his harsh treatment of accused witches.
False
What was the public reaction to Holt’s acquittals in witchcraft cases?
He faced fierce opposition, particularly in the case of Sarah Murdock.
What did Holt’s career contribute to the belief in witchcraft in England?
His sceptical approach helped hasten the decline of witch-belief throughout the country.
