LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

1. Who was Peter Zenger?

Peter Zenger was the apprentice to William Bradford, who was a printer for the New York Gazette in 1710. The New York Weekly Journal hired him as a printer and editor, where he wrote articles critical of Governor Cosby.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton’s defense.

Zenger was charged with seditious libel, and was defended by Andrew Hamilton. Hamilton conceded that Zenger had published the offending stories, but refused to admit it was libel unless it was false. Zenger was acquitted after the jury quickly found him not guilty.

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

Zenger’s case established freedom of the press in America. By being found not guilty his articles were allowed and people were free to write what they wanted as long as it was true. His case also created a precedent against judicial tyranny in libel suits.

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

The significance of this trial was the establishment of freedom of the press, now in the first amendment in our Bill of Rights. This case is so important because before people were not allowed to publish what they wanted, and were jailed if they published something someone in power didn’t like. By being free to write what they pleased, people began to speak their minds. This led to ideas being published about changing the way things were in the colonies, which definitely helped start the revolution.