text: The trial was held on 19 August 1612 before Sir Edward Bromley , a judge seeking promotion to a circuit nearer London , and who may therefore have been keen to impress King James , the head of the judiciary .
simplified: The trial was held on 19 August 1612 before Sir Edward Bromley , a judge seeking promotion to a circuit nearer London . He may have wanted to impress King James , the head of the judiciary .