Legal Definitions - Malleus Maleficarum

Definition: Malleus Maleficarum is a Latin term that means "Hammer of Witches." It is an encyclopedia about demonology and witchcraft that was created in 1486 by two Dominican friars, Heinrich Kraemer and Johann Sprenger. They wrote it to help eradicate witchcraft in Germany. The book was based on folk beliefs and was considered an authoritative source on how to detect, extract confessions from, and prosecute witches for several centuries after it was first published.

Example: During the witch hunts in Europe, the Malleus Maleficarum was used as a guidebook for identifying and punishing witches. It provided instructions on how to conduct trials and extract confessions from accused witches. The book was used to justify the torture and execution of thousands of people, mostly women, who were accused of practicing witchcraft.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Malleus Maleficarum was used as a tool to persecute people accused of witchcraft. The book's instructions on how to identify and punish witches were used to justify the torture and execution of innocent people. The Malleus Maleficarum is an example of how superstition and fear can lead to the persecution of marginalized groups.