John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant who moved to New York City to become an apprentice to the printer of the New York Gazette. In 1733, he was hired as the printer and editor of a new newspaper, the New York Weekly Journal. In this, Zenger criticized the New York Governor, William Cosby. Cosby caused dispute after prosecuting the interim Governor, Rip Van Dan, as well as removing a Chief Court Justice. Zenger's critical comments of Cosby continued until he was arrested and charged with seditious libel.
2) What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
Controversy arose from these charges because many believed that if the comments made were true, then he could not be charged with sedition, no matter how defamatory they were. If Zenger lost this case, then it would mean that newspapers could no longer say anything negative about a person with authority without having to fear being arrested. Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, argued that because Zenger's statements were not seditious libel because they were all true. After proving this in court, the jury agreed with Hamilton finding Zenger not guilty.
3) What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
Zenger's case influenced American governmental tradition, in that it provided courts with a model on how to deal with cases concerning seditious libel. After the outcome of this case, a defendant had to simply prove that their comments were true, and then they would be found not guilty.
4) What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The lasting significance of this trial is that it became the first major example of freedom of the press. Now one of the fundamental laws in America, this case was the first to confirm that the press has a right to say tell the truth, no matter how critical it is.
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