How were witches prosecuted during the Salem Witch Trials?

The Salem Witch Trials were a string of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft. This took place in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693. More than 200 people were accused and brought to trial, 19 of whom were found guilty and executed by hanging.

Upon someone expressing that a loss, illness, or death had been brought about by witchcraft, they would lodge a complaint against the alleged witch with the local magistrates. If the charge was considered viable, the magistrate had the person arrested and brought in for public examination and interrogation. The prisoner would have to appear before the Court of Oyer and Terminer.