In The Crucible, how does fear fail to exterminate truth, relating to when John rips the warrant?

The idea of fear failing to exterminate truth is an
interesting element.  On one hand, I read this to mean that fear does not eliminate the
pursuit and presence of truth.  The notion of fear failing to exterminate truth is
applicable early on in the play as Proctor begins to take a stand in ripping Cheever's
warrant.  The fact that Cheever enters the scene, convinced of his authority as an
"officer of the court," is not something that immediately causes capitulation in
Proctor.  Simply put, Proctor is not intimidated by the presence of the court, something
he sees as unholy and wrong as it is representative of Parris.  When he tears the
warrant, it is an example of how fear has not exterminated truth.  Unlike his colleagues
in Salem, Proctor does not capitulate or acquiesce to the power of the court in fear. 
Rather, he repels it and demonstrates resistance, displaying how fear fails to
exterminate the truth in the presence of proctor.