An Act exonerating certain individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill formally exonerates several individuals who were wrongly accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. It specifically names those accused, including Elizabeth Johnson, Jr., Margaret Jones, Alice Lake, Elizabeth Kendall, Anne Hibbens, Goody Glover, Hugh Parsons, Eunice Cole, and Elizabeth Morse. The bill also acknowledges the broader context of numerous other individuals who faced similar accusations and investigations during that period.
Key provisions
- Names specific individuals wrongly accused of witchcraft: Elizabeth Johnson, Jr., Margaret Jones, Alice Lake, Elizabeth Kendall, Anne Hibbens, Goody Glover, Hugh Parsons, Eunice Cole, and Elizabeth Morse.
- Removes a reference to the year 1692 from the relevant legislation.
- Adds provisions recognizing the broader scope of accusations against numerous others.
- Expands the list of individuals recognized as wrongly accused to include ‘other’ individuals.
Who is affected
- Descendants of those wrongly accused of witchcraft
- Researchers and historians studying colonial Massachusetts
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Notable changes
- Provides formal exoneration for individuals previously accused of witchcraft.
- Acknowledges the widespread nature of accusations during the 1692 witch trials.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
6 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsors
Edward R. Philips
Steven Owens
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