John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant who settled in the British colonies, and became publisher of the New York Weekly Journal. The publication was infamous for brazenly implicating William S. Cosby, the governor's, involvement in illegal activities. Zenger was arrested for libel and put into jail, but with the help of Andrew Hamilton, he was found "not guilty" and began the evolution of freedom of press.
2. What was the controversy over his charges?
The controversy stemmed from the fact that Zenger was charged for libel, which means to print something that is untrue. Andrew Hamilton, a prestigious lawyer from Philidelphia, argued that if what Zenger printed is true, then there is no basis for him to be arrested for libel. The jury convened and were able to clear Zenger's name in less than ten minutes.
3. What influence did his case have on American
governmental tradition?
Zenger's trial proceeded to publishers becoming more comfortable with printing articles that were critical of the government, without fear of being charged as libelous just by sharing their honest opinions. The freedom that was introduced by the Zenger trial developed into the First Amendment.
4. What is the lasting significance of his
trial? Explain.
The lasting significance of Zenger's trial is the realization that people had a right to the freedom of press, and publishers were allowed to published whatever they wanted as long as it was true. This in fact, was part of what caused the citizens to push for freedom from Britain and start the American revolution.
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