LAD #2: Zenger Trial

Zenger Trial of 1735

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was a man who opposed the views of the governor William Cosby and wrote weekly journals criticizing his ideas. For this, he was put on trial and after serving 8 years in prison charged with seditious libel.

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

Hamilton took his defense straight to the jury to prove that Zenger being charged with libel was unjust due to the fact that what Zenger had written was not false. When this truth came across to the jury they were easily able to find the verdict which was not guilty.

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

This case opened up options for human kind. It showed that people are beginning to have a voice in things and that the government does not have complete control over everyone and everything. The idea of a democracy became more clear.

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

The lasting significance of this trial was a stepping stone in the area of the freedom of the press. Therefore proving that libel, if what is written is true, is not in fact libelous. The juries eyes were opened up to the fact that not everything when charged with is proven as true.