Snape tried in court? And Rabastan Lestrange

[severelysigune]

No: HPFGUIDX 88904

This issue has probably been discussed before but I can't find it - 
so I would be grateful for any enlightening comments.

We know from the scene of Karkaroff's trial in GoF that Dumbledore 
has spoken up in defense of Snape. If I remember correctly (I haven't 
got my copy here) it is said that 'Snape has been cleared in court'. 
Does this mean Snape has been under arrest at one point and brought 
into court, or has he just been mentioned and cleared during another 
trial? 

Also: is Rabastan Lestrange among the DE's brought into court 
together with Barty Crouch Jr.? Is he mentioned anywhere explicitly 
except on the Black Family tapestry?

And what is the role of the DE's wives, for example Narcissa Malfoy? 
I think that apart from Bellatrix Lestrange, no women are mentioned 
as active DE's; but surely the wives cannot fail to notice their 
husbands are members?

Yours severely,

Sigune