Trial Reflection
For our current project we were to research about the Salem Witch trials that happened in 1692 among the Puritans living in Massachusetts. Our class conducted a mock witch trial after doing much research. Here is my trial reflection:
When it comes to assuring a fair trial for the accused, it seems almost as if it were wishful thinking for that to exist, when a verdict is determined among a few number of people. I find in some cases that the judicial system can be flawed when it is determined among a few number of people. I find in some cases that the judicial system can be flawed when it comes to being fair. I find that flaw most in the process of selecting a jury. Every person has their own personal bias towards something and I think that does not allow them to do their duty as an impartial juror.
However, in regards to the attorney and the judge I see them as very vital when it comes to persuasion in a court case. They are the people who try to sway the jury into believing that the accused is either guilty or innocent. But the most important part of a trial would have to be the evidence that is obtained during a criminal case. For example, in our class-conducted witch trials, the jury and I concluded that the defendant George Burroughs is innocent all because of the fact that the evidence brought about was insufficient.
If it ever happens that I would be determined to be either guilty or innocent, I would be able to trust friends to determine myself innocent, however that would not be impartial. For example, in the book The Crucible, the people who were watching the court case against John Proctor's accusatoin against Mary and Abigail seemed to have personal biases against John Proctor resulted in having him confess as being a witch and coniving with the devil.
As earlier stated, I participated in the mock witch trials as a juror. As for my reactions pertaining to my specified role, it was a unanimous agreement among my peers that the defendant was to be proclaimed innocent for the lack of insufficient evidence. I felt that the reasoning and the evidence behind George Burrough's accusation was of course very lacking and that the whole class should have worked together with the prosecutors and defendants by brainstorming adequate pieces of evidence and reasoning that could have been used. Overall, for a first mock trial it seemed more laid back and informal, which is something we can improve upon.
From the information pertaining to the lifestyle and beliefs of the Puritans I have researched and reading The Crucible, the happenings and events that surrounded them does make sense when it comes to why the witch trials happened. I understand the reasoning of why the Puritans would believe such a thing, but that was 1692. Living in the modern world, I believe people have progressed when it comes to beliefs and have been more open mincded. There are people who still have some beliefs of having the devil corrupting your soul but I highly doubt that people would take it to the extremes as the people of Salem did.
When it comes to assuring a fair trial for the accused, it seems almost as if it were wishful thinking for that to exist, when a verdict is determined among a few number of people. I find in some cases that the judicial system can be flawed when it is determined among a few number of people. I find in some cases that the judicial system can be flawed when it comes to being fair. I find that flaw most in the process of selecting a jury. Every person has their own personal bias towards something and I think that does not allow them to do their duty as an impartial juror.
However, in regards to the attorney and the judge I see them as very vital when it comes to persuasion in a court case. They are the people who try to sway the jury into believing that the accused is either guilty or innocent. But the most important part of a trial would have to be the evidence that is obtained during a criminal case. For example, in our class-conducted witch trials, the jury and I concluded that the defendant George Burroughs is innocent all because of the fact that the evidence brought about was insufficient.
If it ever happens that I would be determined to be either guilty or innocent, I would be able to trust friends to determine myself innocent, however that would not be impartial. For example, in the book The Crucible, the people who were watching the court case against John Proctor's accusatoin against Mary and Abigail seemed to have personal biases against John Proctor resulted in having him confess as being a witch and coniving with the devil.
As earlier stated, I participated in the mock witch trials as a juror. As for my reactions pertaining to my specified role, it was a unanimous agreement among my peers that the defendant was to be proclaimed innocent for the lack of insufficient evidence. I felt that the reasoning and the evidence behind George Burrough's accusation was of course very lacking and that the whole class should have worked together with the prosecutors and defendants by brainstorming adequate pieces of evidence and reasoning that could have been used. Overall, for a first mock trial it seemed more laid back and informal, which is something we can improve upon.
From the information pertaining to the lifestyle and beliefs of the Puritans I have researched and reading The Crucible, the happenings and events that surrounded them does make sense when it comes to why the witch trials happened. I understand the reasoning of why the Puritans would believe such a thing, but that was 1692. Living in the modern world, I believe people have progressed when it comes to beliefs and have been more open mincded. There are people who still have some beliefs of having the devil corrupting your soul but I highly doubt that people would take it to the extremes as the people of Salem did.
Labels: Essays
posted by Anna @ 8:55 AM
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