LAD #2 Zenger Trial

1.)  Who was John Peter Zenger?

Zenger’s New York Weekly Journal

          John Peter Zenger was a native German who moved to the New York colony. In the latter part of 1733, Zenger started publishing a newspaper to voice his dissent about the arduous policies of the colonial governer William Cosby.  On Sunday, November 17, 1734 he was arrested and charged with seditious libel.


2.)  What was the controversy over his charges?  Talk about Hamilton's defense.
          Zengers arrest and charges of seditious libel caused controversy because the case challenged the ideas of the freedom of the press.  The prosecution thought Zenger should be convicted and found guily because of his reputation tarnishing stories about Cosby.  However, Andrew Hamiltom, Zengers lawyer, pleaded that the stories were true and not libel.  Therefore, the case challenged the idea of the freedom of the press.  

3.)  What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
          The Zenger case influenced traditional American government because it set a precedent saying that the press can speak out and freely oppose the government.  In addition to setting a precedent against judicial tyranny, it also showed one can use truth as a defense against libel suits.

 1730’s - Courtroom during the Zenger  Trial
 
Andrew Hamilton (Zengers lawyer) uses truth to
get the jury to find Zenger not guilty 

4.)  What is the lasting significance of his trial?  Explain.
          The most signifigant lasting effect of the Zenger case was the advancement made in the freedom of press.  After the case, any person could critique the government as long as the story had truth in it.