Carl%20Sagan%20-%20The%20Demon%20Haunted%20World

Science and Witchcraft
dilemma: either she has led an evil and improper life, or
she has led a good and proper one. If an evil one, then
she should be guilty. On the other hand, if she has led a
good life, this is just as damning; for witches dissemble
and try to appear especially virtuous.
11. Therefore the old woman is put in prison. A new proof is
found through a second dilemma: she is afraid or not
afraid. If she is (hearing of the horrible tortures used
against witches), this is sure proof; for her conscience
accuses her. If she does not show fear (trusting in her
innocence), this too is a proof; for witches characteristically
pretend innocence and wear a bold front.
12. Lest these should be the only proofs, the investigator has
his snoopers, often depraved and infamous, ferret out all
her past life. This, of course, cannot be done without
turning up some saying or doing of hers which men so
disposed can easily twist or distort into evidence of
witchcraft.
13. Any who have borne her ill now have ample opportunity
to bring against her whatever accusations they please;
and everyone says that the evidence is strong against her.
14. And so she is hurried to the torture, unless, as often
happens, she was tortured on the very day of her arrest.
15. In these trials nobody is allowed a lawyer or any means of
fair defence, for witchcraft is reckoned an exceptional
crime [of such enormity that all rules of legal procedure
may be suspended], and whoever ventures to defend the
prisoner falls himself under suspicion of witchcraft - as
well as those who dare to utter a protest in these cases
and to urge the judges to exercise prudence, for they are
forthwith labelled supporters of witchcraft. Thus everybody
keeps quiet for fear.
16. So that it may seem that the woman has an opportunity to
defend herself, she is brought into court and the indications
of her guilt are read and examined - if it can be
called an examination.
17. Even though she denies these charges and satisfactorily
answers every accusation, no attention is paid and her
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