Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1803

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

To exonerate all individuals accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend Chapter 145 of the resolves of 1957, which has previously sought to address injustices from historical events such as the Salem Witch Trials. By exonerating the accused, the bill would symbolically correct the historical record, acknowledging the wrongful convictions that occurred during a period marked by hysteria and injustice. This recognition may encourage public discourse on justice, historical accountability, and the importance of safeguarding rights in a legal context, promoting broader discussions about historical injustices.

Summary

House Bill H1803 aims to exonerate all individuals who were accused of witchcraft during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. This legislative effort reflects a contemporary recognition of the injustices perpetrated against these individuals in the late 17th century. The bill seeks to amend existing legislation by explicitly stating that those accused, alongside notably Wilmot Redd, should be recognized as wrongfully accused. By doing so, it aims to rectify historical wrongs and promote healing for the descendants of those affected by these trials.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussion regarding its implications on current understandings of justice and historical accountability. While many support the initiative as a form of reparative justice, concerns have been raised about its practical implications and how it may set precedents for other historical injustices. Critics may argue that the bill, while symbolically significant, does not provide direct reparations or support to descendants of those accused. The bill's passage could influence how future legislative efforts address similar historical grievances.

Companion Bills

MA H4517

Replaced by Study Order

Previously Filed As

MA H1927

Exonerating certain individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts

MA HJ2

Criminal Law - Witchcraft - Exoneration

MA SJ00005

Resolution Exonerating The Women And Men Convicted For Witchcraft In Colonial Connecticut.

MA HJ00021

Resolution Recognizing The Unfair Treatment Of Individuals Accused Of Witchcraft During The Seventeenth Century.

MA HJ00034

Resolution Concerning Certain Witchcraft Convictions In Colonial Connecticut.

MA HB89

Relative to posthumous exonerations.

MA SB3771

HIGHER ED-EXONERATED GRANTS

MA HF3000

Payment of preliminary monetary damages to certain exonerated individuals authorized, exoneration compensation account in the special revenue fund established, and money appropriated.

MA HB1127

Relative to posthumous exonerations and annulments.

MA HB1283

Exoneration payments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.