The famous trial that took place in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 is known as the Salem Witch Trials. This series of hearings and prosecutions involved people accused of witchcraft amid a backdrop of paranoia, religious fervor, and social unrest. A group of young girls claimed to be possessed, leading to a wave of accusations against several community members. The trials resulted in the execution of 20 individuals, mostly women, and the imprisonment of many others. The Salem Witch Trials are often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of isolationism, groupthink, and the failure of due process in a legal system.