Explain, illustrate, and describe how  Judge Hawthorne abused his power during the Salem Witch Trials.

The Salem Witch Trials were court cases of people accused of witchcraft in Massachusetts. The hearing and prosecution of the accused were during the colonial period between 1692 and 1693. The sitting judges during these court proceedings were John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin. However, it was the conduct of Judge Hathorne during the court proceedings that came under criticism.

How Judge Hawthorne abused his power during the Salem Witch Trials

As per the power bestowed upon him, Judge Hawthorne exercised it to his full advantage. In the Salem Witch Trials, the judge was quick in convicting defendants while ignoring calls to reconsider his verdicts. His judgment was contrary to the primary witnesses testimonies that in end could prove the innocence of the detainees. The court ruled that the belongings of the convicted witches would be repossessed to cater for the jail expenses. For instance, the distribution of Samuel Wardwell properties was among the court officials, Judge Hawthorne included. This means that most of the rulings were purposeful for the sitting judges to amass wealth.