Spectral evidence

Clark argues that once spectral evidence was removed, what remained were mostly personal grudges and land disputes.

“when you take away the spectral evidence, what you have for the most part is personal grudges, land disputes, land grabs”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 54:06

Clark explains that spectral evidence destroyed alibis because accusers could claim the accused had sent their spirit.

“one of the more practical problems that spectral evidence presented for somebody accused of witchcraft was that it destroyed any alibi you had”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 34:41

Clark argues that William Stoughton's decision to admit spectral evidence changed the course of the trials and led to executions.

“Stoughton's radical decision to include what's called spectral evidence. That changed everything. And that is what led to people being executed”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 31:54

Bryant notes that reportedly no one was convicted solely on the basis of spectral evidence, and that Cotton Mather said it was enough to indict but not convict.

“I think they verified that nobody was convicted solely on the basis of spectral evidence”

Stuff You Should Know: Selects: Salem Witchcraft Trials: More Bonkers Than You Know (Oct 31, 2026) · Listen from 34:18