Witch hunting in Scotland

How did Scotland's government compare to England's?

Less complex

Why were local officials usually allowed to pursue witch-hunts without interference?

There were fewer royal agents at the monarch's disposal

What happened as a result of local officials pursuing with-hunts without interference?

Trials were dominated and directed by paranoid neighbours of suspected witches

What was flawed about Scotland's jury system?

A simple majority was needed to find a defendant guilty rather than a unanimous decision

How was Scotland's protestant reformation different to England's?

It was stricter and on calvinist lines

What did the anti-Catholic feeling heighten?

A well-established suspicion of rituals and traditions, the use of which was blamed on witches

How did Scotland's economic state compare to England's?

Relatively poor

What was appealing for people in Scotland due to the economic state?

The Devil was able to offer people eternal riches and a fruitful life while on Earth

What happened to children of the accused witches?

They suffered the same reputation and were referred to the 'witch's get'

What was there a deeply held belief in for helpful purposes?

Fairies and folk magic but could result in accusations of wrongdoing