WITCH HUNTING IN ENGLAND & SCOTLAND

I. English witch debate

   Reginald Scot,
       Discovery of Witchcraft 1584       (K&P#60)

       Skeptical of reality of witchcraft, follows Weyer

       Theological and scriptural arguments
                          Witch of Endor

       Four kinds of witches: innocent, deluded,
                poisoners, impostors ("couseners")

   James Stuart
       (James I of England 1603-1625, VI of Scotland)

          1589--marriage to Anne of Denmark
                          storm, trial of Dr. Fian for w/c   (K&P #48)
                          political context, Fian as opponent of King

          1597, Daemonologie           attack on Weyer/Scot
                               learned Latin treatise, theological approach
                                emphasizes the diabolical pact

   William Perkins: English Puritan

         On the Damned Art of Witchcraft, 1608

II. Scottish witch trials vs English trials

     Scotland's legal system: Inquisitorial procedure,
                 torture, influence of Roman law
             vs. England: customary, accusatory procedure

    Centralized, political control of witch trials
             reviewed by Privy Council of King
             vs. local trials in England

    Religious differences
             Scotland: Presbyterian (Calvinist)
                          role of consistories (church courts)
             England: Anglican Church: more moderate