What event has made Reverend Hale uneasy about the courts proceedings?

In act 1, Reverend Hale arrives in Salem and is portrayed as a zealous, enthusiastic expert on witchcraft. He initially supports the court and vows to uncover the witches in the community in order to restore Salem to its former stable condition. However, Reverend Hale becomes slightly suspicious after discovering that Rebecca Nurse has been accused of witchcraft. Although Hale is from Beverly, he has heard of Rebecca's generous nature and Christlike disposition. After interviewing...

In act 1, Reverend Hale arrives in Salem and is portrayed as a zealous, enthusiastic expert on witchcraft. He initially supports the court and vows to uncover the witches in the community in order to restore Salem to its former stable condition. However, Reverend Hale becomes slightly suspicious after discovering that Rebecca Nurse has been accused of witchcraft. Although Hale is from Beverly, he has heard of Rebecca's generous nature and Christlike disposition. After interviewing Elizabeth and John, he learns that Abigail told John that the girls were lying. This information also increases his suspicion, which is only heightened after Elizabeth is arrested for witchcraft. Hale is aware that Elizabeth Proctor is the wife of a respected farmer and desperately wants to discover the truth behind the numerous accusations.

In act 5, Reverend Hale witnesses Deputy Governor Danforth's arrogant, stubborn personality and is offended by his defensive stance against anyone who dares to challenge the court's authority. After hearing Mary's confession and observing Danforth's unquestionable disposition, Hale asks, "Is every defense an attack upon the court? Can no one—?" (Miller, 94). After Proctor announces that he had an affair with Abigail and Elizabeth lies to protect her husband's reputation, Hale sides with Proctor and the accused citizens. Hale then tells Danforth,

"Private vengeance is working through this testimony! From the beginning this man [Proctor] has struck me true. By my oath to Heaven, I believe him now, and I pray you call back his wife before we—" (Miller, 114).

By the end of act 3, Reverend Hale completely loses faith in the court and attempts to save the souls of the accused citizens by encouraging them to lie in the following act.