1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
John Peter Zenger was a publisher and editor for the New York Weekly journal, from Germany. He criticized the corrupted New York government, including Governor William Cosby. Which included, Cosby’s prosecution of the Interim Governor Rip Wan Dam and the removal of the Chief Justice Lewis Morris. Angered Governor Cosby, had Zenger arrested for “Seditious Libel.”
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton’s defense.
The controversy over his charges were that Zenger’s articles and criticism was in reality true and therefore were more of fact then opinion. During Zenger’s trail his lawyer Andrew Hamilton used this evidence to his advantage as well as spoke straight to the jury, rather then to the judge. As a result, working in his favor, and lead to the juries decision of not guilty and zenger’s release.
3. What influence did his case have on American government tradition?
Zenger’s case had many influences on american government, the first being the courts view on libel suits. After his case lawyers were able to say that if a statement is true, that it is not libelous and a person cannot be charged. Cases similar to Zenger’s seen in the court room were forever changed.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain
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| John Peter Zenger's trial |
The significance of his trial was that at first it gave writers and publishers more confidence to write more freely. Newspapers were allowed to criticize the government, as long as there statements true. As time progressed it eventually led to the freedom of speech and the first amendment.
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