Authority is not created by the authority figure, nor given to him by God. Rather, authority is given to him by the people of his society. The abuse of authority can lead to difficult times for those who do not have power. In the town of Salem, authority is vital to virtue. Those who lack authority also lack innocence. During the hysteria of the Salem witch trial, there are three voices of authority, Reverend John …showed first 75 words of 1184 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1184 total…the Salem witch trials, many innocent people die because power is abused by those with authority. If someone challenges their authority, these powerful men will have illusory suspicions about the morals of the challengers. Reverend Parris and Judge Danforth abuse their authority in order to maintain their power. However, Reverend Hale, realizing the corruption of the court and church, withdraws his authority so he will not be responsible for anymore of murders of the innocent.