Why was Putnam brought into the court?

Giles Corey storms into the courtroom at the beginning of act 3, insisting that "Thomas Putnam is reaching out for land!" Deputy Governor Danforth has Giles removed from court and questions him outside. When Danforth glances over Giles's deposition, he asks that Mr. Putnam—who is already in the courtroom—be brought in to this other room by Reverend Parris. When Putnam enters, Danforth says,

"Mr. Putnam, I have here an accusation by Mr. Corey against you. He states that you coldly prompted your daughter to cry witchery upon George Jacobs that is now in jail."

Putnam, of course, denies this charge. As Giles points out, if Jacobs is convicted of witchcraft, then his land goes up for public auction, and, he says, "there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece." Giles believes that Putnam prompted his daughter, Ruth, to accuse George Jacobs so that his land would become available and Putnam would then be able to purchase it legally. Putnam is essentially asked to address this charge, and all he has to say is that it is untrue. At this point, the magistrates begin to question Giles as to the identity of his supposed informant. However, because Giles knows that this man will be arrested and likely found guilty of wrongdoing himself, he will not give the name. Eventually, Danforth holds him in contempt of court for his refusal to do so.

Mr. and Mrs. Putnam are two of the main characters perpetuating witchcraft hysteria throughout the community. They are both deeply involved in the witch trials, and Giles Corey mentions that Thomas Putnam is reaching out for land at the beginning of act 3. Deputy Governor Danforth calls into the court to speak with Thomas Putnam, who is more than likely watching the witch trials with the rest of the community. Deputy Governor Danforth then tells Thomas Putnam that Giles Corey has a deposition from a respected community member who claims to have heard Putnam telling his daughter to accuse George Jacobs of witchcraft. According to Salem's laws, if any citizen admits to being involved in witchcraft, their land automatically goes up for sale. Because Thomas Putnam is the only citizen with enough money to purchase extensive plots of land, he uses his daughter to accuse innocent citizens of witchcraft so that he can acquire more land. However, Thomas Putnam denies Giles Corey's claim, and Giles is arrested after refusing to name the citizen who said he overheard Thomas Putnam speaking to his daughter.