1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant who came to America in 1710 to eventually become a printer. In 1733, Zenger began the New York Weekly Journal. His paper criticized the governor William Crosby, who removed chief justice Lewis Morris from court and prosecuted the former governor, Rip Van Dam. Using his paper, Zenger told of Crosby's decisions and offered a critical viewpoint. William Crosby had Zenger arrested for seditious libel, his trial taking place on August 4th, 1735. Andrew Hamilton defended Zenger.
2. What was the controversy over his charges?
Talk about Hamilton's defense.
The controversy over Zenger's charges was caused by the fact that Zenger's "seditious libel" was actually true. Hamilton argued that, although it may have offended several individuals, the articles could not be considered libel at all, and that Zenger had not broken any laws. Hamilton appealed directly to the jury, and freed Zenger.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
This case changed how libel lawsuits were viewed and relaxed restrictions on what could be said. It became easier to criticize officials, as long as the information was truthful. The case expanded American freedoms, and helped newspapers become more influential in politics.
4. What is the lasting significance of his
trial? Explain.
The lasting influence is the increased freedom of speech in America. Forty years later, with growing discontent in the colonies and more criticism than ever for the crown and its officials, freedom of speech would play a large role in the independence movement and the formation of the revolution. With new freedoms, newspapers and pamphlets became a strong voice in the America, and still are. The ideas that were used against Zenger's prosecutors were put into our constitution and now guarantee us free speech.
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