Who served as the presiding judge during the witch trials and signed death sentences?

The presiding judge during the witch trials in "The Crucible" is Deputy Governor Danforth. He is portrayed as a figure of authority who prioritizes the integrity of the court and the judicial process over the pursuit of justice. His decisions are heavily influenced by a need to maintain the credibility of the court and to suppress any dissent, which leads to the signing of death sentences for those accused of witchcraft.

Danforth's character reflects the themes of power, authority, and moral ambiguity prevalent throughout the play. Unlike other characters such as Reverend Hale, who undergoes a transformation and ultimately opposes the executions, Danforth remains steadfast in his belief in the court's actions, demonstrating a commitment to the legal framework even when the outcomes are devastating. This commitment showcases the tragic flaw of rigid adherence to authority without consideration for truth or individual lives, making Danforth a central figure in the exploration of hysteria and injustice in Salem. Other choices, such as Reverend Hale or John Proctor, play important roles but do not hold the position of judge in the trials, and Reverend Parris is primarily concerned with his own status rather than the judicial process itself.