WITCHCRAFT - TORTURE Torture was permitted in most legal processes involving witchcraft and heresy (of which witchcraft was an example). Stretching on the rack, or on specially built pulleys, created unbearable torture. As in this illustration, the torturer might apply a tourniquet to tighten the ropes binding the body and legs. During this torture, questions are put to the suspect, and he or she was forced to answer. Wood cut from J. Damhouder, Enchiridion, 1554.