People considered the trials a heroic act because the villagers of Salem were ridding themselves of evil in their small society. So if someone spoke out against the arrests and hangings of innocent people, then another delusional religious extremist would effortlessly accuse them of being a witch. This person would then be arrested, incarcerated and put to death. Not only is it difficult to go against the grain of a small colonial society, but when it involves risking one's life, no one wants to speak up