LAD #2 Zenger Trials

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was a German who came to New York in 1710. He was the printer of the New York Weekly Journal. He is most known for being accused of seditious libel in trial. He revealed corruptness in colonial government and when he criticized the crown he was brought to trial in 1735. His trial would result in the freedom of press.

2. What was the controversy over his charges?

Talk about Hamilton's defense.The controversy was that although Zenger wrote stories critical of the government, they were true. Therefore, he thought the law itself was corrupt because it stated that criticism of the crown is against the law. In his trial, Zenger was lucky to have Andrew Hamilton in his defense. Both Hamilton and Zenger were truthful and admitted that Zenger had written critically of the Crown government. However, Hamilton stated that the articles were not libel because they were not false. By the end of the trial, Zenger was found not guilty and freedom of press was earned.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?

This case influenced the American government tradition because it set a valuable precedent. The Zenger trial confirmed that all U.S. juries have the power and duty to nullify bad laws -- by not-guilty verdicts.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.

The lasting significance of his trial is that it has allowed freedom of speech and press to become natural freedoms of the American citizens. His trial actually influenced Congress when making the amendments; the First Amendment was made to protect freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship, and of the press. Furthermore, today Zenger News Service, formed in 1982, distributes news and information to support individual liberties.