LAD #2: Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger? John Peter Zenger was a journalist who emigrated from Germany to the colonies in 1710.  He was the printer and editor for a newspaper called the New York Weekly Journal, which published a series of articles that were offensive to Governor William Crosby. He was arrested for libel because of this, and later acquitted. His case became one of the most famous and influential in journalism’s history.       2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense. The controversy that arose over the Zenger case had to do with the feeling that the government was using their power to convict citizens who were not guilty. The main question in his trial was whether Zenger had actually committed libel or simply insulted the government in a way that was within the law. Zenger’s lawyer, Hamilton, used the argument that one could not be charged for libel if they were telling the truth. This defense was accepted and Zenger was acquitted and freed.       3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition? The Zenger case was monumental when it came to the concept of freedom of the press. It also showed the enthusiasm many colonists had for democracy and the right to question the government, which was a major part of the trial. It was very influential for journalism and freedom of the press, and also helped define American ideas of what a government should be.       4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.

The trial was closely followed by the public, and represents a milestone in government, journalism, and the idea of American personal freedoms. It played a part in establishing the public and press’s part in the checks and balances of government. The Zenger trial was instrumental in the beginning of the relationship between journalism/press and government, and helped to solidify the idea of freedom of the press.