LAD #2 Trial of John Peter Zenger (1735)

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
Peter Zenger was the publisher of a newspaper in New York who was trained as an apprentice of William Bradford. He came to New York from Germany in the year of 1710, and wrote in his newspaper his strong disapproval of the colonial governor William Cosby. 


2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
The controversy over Zenger's charges was that what he was writing was true so it should be allowed to be published. His lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, discussed directly to the jury that if a writing can be proven true than it is not breaking the law. Thereby asserting the right of freedom of the press.


3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
This case influenced the American government and the freedom that the government allows the people of America. This case introduced freedom of the press which later came about in the Bill of Rights. It also helped to shape our democracy so that Americans could have freedom of speech.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
Hamilton showed the jury and America that it was unjust to not allow the freedom of people to publicly share there viewpoints and opinions. When shaping our nation with the constitution our founding fathers included that we have the right to freedom of speech which has improved the way America is today. 

Zenger's writing in the New York Weekly Journal

Andrew Hamilton