FRANCIS: We have proof of it, sir. They are all deceiving you.
HATHORNE: This is contempt, sir, contempt!
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 3. Francis Nurse attempts to convince the court that the girls claiming possession by witches are frauds. He and John Proctor make a bid to present "proof," a deposition by Mary Warren supporting this. But a biased and vindictive Hathorne, who is more prosecutor than impartial judge, tries to silence Francis. He charges contempt, a tactic he uses in court to deny evidence favorable to the accused people. This shows the intolerance of the Salem judges towards any citizen challenging their corrupt court. We have also here an example of dramatic irony, since the audience knows that Francis is speaking the truth.