In Puritan Connecticut, religion and laws were closely intertwined.  Most laws in Puritan societies were based on Biblical principals.  Punishment for law breaking was often severe.  In the town of Wethersfield, there was "a pillory, a whipping post, and stocks" (The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Chapter 5).  All of these were used for punishing those who broke laws.

Previously, two women from Wethersfield had been charged with witchcraft.  One woman had been banished from the colony, while another had been hung.  When Kit was accused of witchcraft, the constable suggested that her punishment might be branding or the cutting off of one of her ears.  When Nat and his friends from the Dolphin vandalized William Ashby's house, they were put into the stocks and banished from the town of Wethersfield.  Citizens of Puritan communities were expected to attend Meeting, behave appropriately, and follow all laws.  A good reputation was important in Puritan Connecticut.