The court is based by the principles of the church.
Dave Danforth died September 19, 1970, in Baltimore, MD, USA.
Danforth emphasizes that the testimony of the victims is crucial in the witch trials because it serves as direct evidence of the alleged witchcraft and its effects on the community. He believes that their accounts lend credibility to the court's proceedings and validate the seriousness of the accusations. Furthermore, the victims' testimonies are seen as a means to uphold justice and protect the moral integrity of society, reinforcing the court's authority and the gravity of the charges being levied.
Judge Danforth
Thomas Becket wanted to keep the church court to uphold the autonomy and authority of the Church over its own matters, particularly in legal and moral issues. He believed that church courts were essential for maintaining ecclesiastical discipline and protecting the rights of the clergy from secular interference. By defending the church court, Becket aimed to reinforce the principle that spiritual matters should be governed by religious law rather than civil law, thereby preserving the Church's influence and independence. This stance ultimately led to his conflict with King Henry II and his martyrdom.
In Salem, during the time of the witch trials depicted in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," the court is primarily led by Deputy Governor Danforth. He presides over the proceedings and wields significant influence over the judges, including Judge Hathorne. The court's authority is characterized by its strict adherence to spectral evidence and a fervent belief in the existence of witchcraft, leading to numerous wrongful accusations and executions.
Deputy Governor John Danforth states,that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it.
When Danforth says "No uncorrupted man may fear this court," in The Crucible, the point is significant because it is so ironic. Danforth is basically saying that innocent men should not be afraid of the court because the court will be so fair.
James R. Danforth has written: 'Letter of Rev. James R. Danforth, D.D., resigning the pastorate of the Central Congregational Church, Philadelphia'
He tells danforth that he had an affair with Abigail because he knew Abigail would bring it up anyways in court
At this point, even Danforth understands that the whole witchcraft hysteria was probably a hoax, and that he and the Puritan court had sent innocent people to their deaths.
John Proctor's presence in the jail upsets Danforth because Proctor is a well-respected and influential member of the community. Danforth fears Proctor's influence and sees him as a threat to the authority of the court.
Judge Danforth would want Giles Corey to provide the names of the individuals who allegedly signed a petition in support of the accused witches, as this could help him maintain control over the court proceedings and validate the trials. He seeks to uphold the authority of the court and suppress any dissent. Corey's refusal to name names demonstrates his resistance to the court's unjust practices, which frustrates Danforth's goal of preserving the court's credibility. Ultimately, Danforth aims to extract information that would reinforce his position and the legitimacy of the trials.
He wants John to sign a confession, so Danforth can hang it on the church door. John refuses to sign the written confession and tears it up.
He wants her to go to court with him so she can tell danforth that abigil is a liar
Danforth does not want Hale in the jail because he views him as a potential threat to the authority and legitimacy of the court. Hale, having become disillusioned with the witch trials and the injustice occurring, could undermine the court's proceedings and encourage others to question the validity of the accusations. Danforth is concerned that Hale's presence might inspire dissent and challenge his control over the situation, potentially leading to a loss of power and credibility for the court.
Danforth says that witchcraft is "ipso facto", an invisible crime. He states that the court must rely upon the victims to reveal the truth. Also, no lawyers are necessary.
In Act 4 of The Crucible, Danforth summons Elizabeth Proctor because John Proctor stated that Elizabeth never lies. Danforth wants her to confirm John's story.