In 1604 a new witchcraft law was made , called `` An Act against Conjuration , Witchcraft and dealing with evil and wicked spirits '' . Anyone who caused harm by the use of magic or the exhumation of corpses for magical purposes would be given the death penalty . In 1604 , the year following James 's accession to the English throne , a new witchcraft law was enacted , `` An Act against Conjuration , Witchcraft and dealing with evil and wicked spirits '' , imposing the death penalty for causing harm by the use of magic or the exhumation of corpses for magical purposes .