In the Devil's Snare

The Court of Assize and General Gaol Delivery was a new superior court established by the Massachusetts legislature in December 1692 to complete the witch trials under new, stricter codes of evidence. The creation of this new court was a signal of the changing views of the crisis.

The Court of Oyer and Terminer was a special court established by Governor Phips to hear the witchcraft cases in 1692. “Oyer and terminer” means to hear and determine in French. Nine judges were appointed to the court. Norton highlights the centrality of Phips’s role in the crisis via the creation of this court and the appointment of its judges.

Essex County refers to a northeastern region of Massachusetts that, at the time of this crisis, included Salem Town and Salem Village, in addition to many other towns. Norton points out that the witch crisis was not limited to Salem but extended throughout the county. Andover, in particular, saw a series of accusations.