Famous American Trials
The Salem Witch Trials occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in the 1600’s. The play, The
Crucible,” by Arthur Miller is a fictional work based upon these trials. As we read the play, you
will easily recognize that the court system was unfair, biased, and lacked evidence in the
conviction of individuals accused of “witchery.” In our present day society, unfair trials, biased
judges and juries, and a lack of evidence often exist. Research two trials and answer the six
questions below.
Directions: Go to the following website:
http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/ftrials.htm
1. Pick one trial from the 1600’s-1800’s and one trial from the 1900s-today that you think
was unfair.
2. Describe the parties involved in the trial (defendant/prosecution/etc.)
3. Describe what the trial was about
4. Describe the court – jury members, judge, etc.
5. Describe the outcome of the trial
6. Describe why you think it was unfair using four concrete pieces of evidence
Compile this information in Microsoft Word / Google Apps format. You may number your
responses; however, your answers must be in sentence form. Lastly, your response must be
printed.