Danforth accuses Proctor of attempting to undermine the court and overthrow the government by his refusal to confess to witchcraft. In Act III of Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Danforth is interrogating Proctor about his reasons for not attending church regularly and for not baptizing his youngest son. Proctor responds by admitting to his sins but refusing to confess to witchcraft, which he did not commit. Danforth sees Proctor's refusal to confess as an act of rebellion against the court and the government, rather than an expression of his innocence. Danforth believes that the court's authority depends on people's willingness to confess, and Proctor's defiance threatens to undermine that authority. Danforth accuses Proctor of being motivated by a desire to overthrow the court and the government, rather than by a commitment to the truth.