Jean Calas, a Protestant merchant from Toulouse, was wrongfully convicted in 1762 of murdering his son, Marc-Antoine, who had expressed a desire to convert to Catholicism. The case received international attention when it was brought to light by the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. Calas endured a horrific execution by torture, spurred by a wave of religious intolerance and societal prejudice that characterized France at the time. Voltaire vehemently criticized the trial and condemned the treatment of Protestants, using his influence to rally public support for Calas’s family and to advocate for justice.

Following a rigorous campaign that included pamphlets and public appeals, the case was reopened by the courts in Paris. On March 9, 1765, the judges formally exonerated Calas, acknowledging the miscarriage of justice he faced. This moment not only served to vindicate Calas but also marked a pivotal moment in the fight against religious and judicial intolerance in France. Voltaire’s activism demonstrated the power of enlightened thought to incite change in a rigid system of governance.

The exoneration of Calas had broader implications, as it sparked conversations about the legal system and the importance of due process. The incident illustrated the dangers of prejudice and the necessity for reform in how justice was administered, particularly concerning religious minorities. Voltaire’s role transformed the narrative and made the case a symbol of the struggle against fanaticism in the name of justice.