William Stoughton was a prominent figure in colonial America, best known for his role as a judge during the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. Born in 1631 in England, he immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he became a respected leader and served as the colony's lieutenant governor. His legal decisions during the trials were controversial and contributed to the execution of several accused witches. Stoughton was educated at Harvard College, where he graduated in 1650. After his involvement in the witch trials, he continued to serve in various political roles, including as a judge and a member of the Massachusetts General Court. He passed away in 1701, leaving a complex legacy marked by his judicial actions.