Final answer:
Hawthorne perceived Puritan laws as repressive, governed by a Puritan elite, and biased towards 'the elect.' Historians describe Puritan society as stifling intellectual life and enforcing strict moral codes, resulting in trials and executions of dissenters like Anne Hutchinson and allegedly practicing witches in Salem.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Hawthorne Perceived Puritan Laws
Historical interpretations of Puritan laws and governance have often painted a picture of a repressive and undemocratic society. Historians like Charles Francis Adams and Brooks Adams characterized the Puritan colonies as places where a Puritan elite ruled undemocratically, stifling dissent and resisting change. This view is supported by others including H. L. Mencken, who highlighted Puritanism as embodying a fear of someone being happy, suggesting that their laws were restrictive and aimed at controlling both public and private life.
The Puritans enforced a strict moral code and believed in a covenant between the elect and God, making societal and civil bonds with religious undertones. However, this did not equate to equality, as equal treatment under the law was reserved only for members of the 'elect', who had exclusive rights to vote and hold public office. High-profile dissenters such as Anne Hutchinson faced harsh punishment for their criticism of Puritan practices, which resulted in her being tried, convicted, banished, and ultimately met with a tragic end.
This perception of Puritan laws is further evidenced by the notorious witch trials in Salem, where fear and the belief in the supernatural led to the execution of those labelled as witches. Such events illustrate the extent of religious influence over the law and societal norms in Puritan New England.