Nõiaprotsessid Eesti- ja Liivimaal
Death Penalty in Estonian Witch Processes

Summary/Abstract: Reprint of the article published in Usuteadusline Ajakiri in 1938, Nos. 2-4. Analysis of court records concerning death penalty for witches in Estonia in 1588-1723 reveals the proven execution of 55 witches. The usual means of execution was burning, seldom chopping the head with sword and also single qualified death sentences. Observation of processes connected with performed execution is only possible within the 17th century. Compared to executions performed in West Europe, the executions in Estonia can be considered only a feeble echo. Death penalty was connected with performing witchcraft as a punishable criminal act. Aggravating circumstances were personal communication with the devil, first of all dedication to the devil via certain contracted acts, for which the criminal was burned. Alleviating circumstances (lack of contract with the devil, confession and humble pleading with the court) led to execution by chopping the head off with a sword.

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