CONTENTS
ix
THE THIRD PART
RELATING TO THE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS IN BOTH THE ECCLESIASTICAL
AND CIVIL COURTS AGAINST WITCHES AND
INDEED ALL HERETICS
Containing XXXV Questions in which are most Clearly set out the Formal Rules for Initiating a Process of
Justice, how it should be Conducted, and the Method of Pronouncing Sentence.
QUESTION I
General and Introductory
Who are the Fit and Proper Judges in the Trial of Witches?page 194
THE FIRST HEAD
Question I.
The Method of Initiating a Process205
Question II.
Of the Number of the Witnesses208
Question III.
Of the Solemn Adjuration and Re-examination of Witnesses209
Question IV.
Of the Quality and Condition of Witnesses209
Question V.
Whether Mortal Enemies may be Admitted as Witnesses209
THE SECOND HEAD
Question VI.
How the Trial is to be Proceeded with and Continued. And how the Witnesses are to be Examined in the Presence of Four Other Persons, and how the Accused is to be Questioned in Two Ways210
Question VII.
In Which Various Doubts are Set Forth with Regard to the Foregoing Questions and Negative Answers. Whether the Accused is to be Imprisoned, and when she is to be considered as Manifestly Taken in the Foul Heresy of Witchcraft. This is the Second Action213
Question VIII.
Which Follows from the Preceding Question, Whether the Witch is to be Imprisoned, and of the Method of Taking her. This is the Third Action of the Judge214
Question IX.
What is to be done after the Arrest, and whether the Names of the Witnesses should be made Known to the Accused. This is the Fourth Action216
Question X.
What Kind of Defence may be Allowed, and of the Appointment of an Advocate. This is the Fifth Action217
Question XI.
What Course the Advocate should Adopt when the Names of the Witnesses are not Revealed to him. The Sixth Action218
Question XII.
Of the Same Matter, Declaring more Particularly how the Question of Personal Enmity is to be Investigated. The Seventh Action.page 220
Question XIII.
Of the Points to be Observed by the Judge before the Formal Examination in the Place of Detention and Torture. This is the Eighth Action222
Question XIV.
Of the Method of Sentencing the Accused to be Questioned: and How she must be Questioned on the First Day; and Whether she may be Promised her Life. The Ninth Action225
Question XV.
Of the Continuing of the Torture, and of the Devices and Signs by which the Judge can Recognize a Witch; and how he ought to Protect himself from their Spells. Also how they are to be Shaved in those Parts where they use to Conceal the Devil’s Masks and Tokens; together with the due Setting Forth of Various Means of Overcoming their Obstinacy in Keeping Silence and Refusal to Confess. And it is the Tenth Action227
Question XVI.
Of the fit Time and of the Method of the Second Examination. And it is the Eleventh Action, concerning the Final Precautions to be Observed by the Judge230
THE THIRD HEAD
Which is the last Part of this Work. How the Process is to be Concluded by the Pronouncement of a Definite and Just Sentence232
Question XVII.
Of Common Purgation, and especially of the Trial by Red-hot Iron, to which Witches Appeal233
Question XVIII.
Of the Manner of Pronouncing a Sentence which is Final and Definitive235
Question XIX.
Of the Various Degrees of Overt Suspicion which render the Accused liable to be Sentenced236
Question XX.
Of the First Method of Pronouncing Sentence240
Question XXI.
Of the Second Method of Pronouncing Sentence, when the Accused is no more than Defamed241
Question XXII.
Of the Third Kind of Sentence, to be Pronounced on one who is Defamed, and who is to be put to the Question242
