A witch trial refers to a legal proceeding in which individuals were accused of practicing witchcraft, often leading to severe consequences, including imprisonment or execution. These trials were prevalent in Europe and colonial America, particularly during the late 15th to 18th centuries. Accusations were often based on superstition, fear, and social tensions, with little evidence required for conviction. The most infamous example is the Salem witch trials in 1692, where a series of hearings and prosecutions took place in Salem, Massachusetts. Many people, primarily women, were accused of being witches, resulting in the execution of 20 individuals. These trials highlight the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process in legal systems.