ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses four prominent types of legal actions involving claims about satanism: allegations of "satanic murder," child "ritual abuse" cases, "cult brainwashing" cases, and so-called "heavy metal" cases, including the much-publicized recent "Judas Priest" case. It focuses on similarities in the characterized of satanism in the different types of cases. All four types involve an assumption that satanism is promoted by evil people or organizations that exploit innocent victims through murder, abuse, trickery, or subliminal influences. This perception that satanists are powerful, active agents, whose victims are weak, passive individuals, underpins discussions of satanism in the various types of court cases. People who believe claims about satanism have strong motivation to act. This is of particular concern when the believers are social control agents such as law enforcement personnel and the courts. If those in powerful positions accept the reality of the satanism scare, then basic legal rights and protections may break down, leaving all citizens at risk.
