In early 1612 , the year of the trials , each justice of the peace ( JP ) in Lancashire was ordered to make a list of the recusants in their areaâ '' those who refused to attend the services of the Church of England , which was a criminal offence at that time . In early 1612 , the year of the trials , each justice of the peace ( JP ) in Lancashire was ordered to compile a list of the recusants in their areaâ '' those who refused to attend the services of the Church of England , a criminal offence at that time .