Chapter 8 — Justine's trial

Justine Moritz is tried at the magistrate's court for William's murder. The evidence is entirely circumstantial. The locket of Caroline's that William had been wearing was found in the pocket of Justine's apron when she was searched the morning after the body was found. Justine has no explanation; she is as bewildered as anyone. (The Creature, in his own narration much later, will explain how he placed it there.)

Victor, sitting in the courtroom, is paralyzed. He knows Justine is innocent. He knows what killed William and where the killer is currently hiding. He cannot make himself stand up and explain. The truth would not be believed; the truth would expose him; the truth, even if believed, would not exonerate Justine in time. He sits silent through every witness.

Elizabeth speaks at the trial. She gives a moving defense of Justine — testifying to her character, the affection of the household for her, the impossibility that someone they had raised could have done such a thing. The court is impressed by Elizabeth's testimony but unimpressed by the absence of any other evidence. Justine is convicted. That night Justine, in private to Elizabeth and Victor, falsely confesses to the murder — pressed by her confessor with the threat of damnation, she has agreed to admit a crime she did not commit in exchange for absolution. She is hanged the next morning. Victor leaves the prison knowing she is the second member of his household killed by his silence.