William Powel was an English chief-justice in 1711 involved in the trial of a charlatan accused of demonic contact. The accused confessed to meeting the devil in various forms, including that of a cat. Powel questioned the credibility of the jury, who wished to convict the individual solely on the basis of this admission. By highlighting the lack of logical evidence, Powel secured the defendant’s reprieve under English law. Sources indicate this case as an example of judicial skepticism in witchcraft-related accusations.
