In the bustling town of Stirling in 1677, Mary Mitchell found herself ensnared in the web of Scotland's infamous witch trials. On the third of December, Mary's case was formally brought before the court under the file reference C/EGD/1756. The charge against her, though not unique in the charged atmosphere of the time, carried with it the potential for severe consequences. However, the outcome of Mary’s ordeal would be unlike many others who faced similar accusations.
The historical records detail that Mary appeared for trial under the examination of the lord commissioners on the same day her case was filed. The trial, catalogued under T/JO/629, concluded with a verdict of "Not Proven." This verdict indicated that although there was insufficient evidence to conclusively prove her guilt, neither could her complete innocence be secured. The commissioners found the charges against Mary to be malicious, indicating a lack of substantive evidence and, perhaps, underlying animosities or false allegations likely motivated by personal vendettas or local disputes.
With the charges deemed malicious and no presumption of guilt established, Mary Mitchell's ordeal concluded with her release. This outcome points to the complexities and occasional just resolutions within the seventeenth-century Scottish judicial system amidst a period often characterized by fear and superstition. Her case exemplifies a rare but noteworthy instance where the prevailing legal framework allowed reason to prevail, ensuring Mary's liberty in a time fraught with peril for those accused of witchcraft.