Between the 14th and the 18th century, there was a mass hysteria not just in England and Scotland about witchcraft, but also worldwide. Anyone could be accused and under suspicion of this crime, however, it was more common for a woman to be brought forward. Many of the accused who admitted their guilt, were tortured or had a fear of being tortured in order to retrieve a confession. Spectral evidence was accepted in many trials when a witness believes the accused spirit is tormenting them, and in cases like these, there was little chance of the accused having a fair and just hearing