Final answer:
The court decided to hang Goody Osburn because she confessed to witchcraft, while Sarah Good, who was pregnant, was spared from execution.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the Salem witch trials, Goody Osburn and Sarah Good were accused of practicing witchcraft. The decision to hang Goody Osburn but not Sarah Good was influenced by two factors:
- Goody Osburn confessed to witchcraft: Confessions were highly regarded during the witch trials, and it was believed that those who confessed were more likely to be telling the truth. Since Goody Osburn admitted to being a witch, she was sentenced to death.
- Goody Good was pregnant: The court usually spared pregnant women from execution, as they believed it would harm the unborn child. This was likely the reason why Sarah Good was not hanged.
It is important to note that both Goody Osburn and Sarah Good were victims of the unjust and unfounded accusations that characterized the Salem witch trials.
Learn more about Salem witch trials