LAD/Blog #2: Peter Zenger

1. Who was Peter Zenger? 
Peter Zenger 
         Peter Zenger was a German immigrant that printed the New York Weekly Journal. One publishing, the royal governor was criticized and Peter Zenger was tried for publicizing information opposing the government or "libel". 

2.  What was the controversy over his charges? 
         Although Peter Zenger published the journal, he was not the one who wrote it. He was only responsible for publishing it and he would not divulge who wrote it. Thus, was he truly guilty of libel? The judge told the jury to decide if Zenger should be convicted for printing the journal but Hamilton convinced them that what Zenger published true and he was indeed not guilty. 

3. What influence did his case have on American Governmental traditions? 
First Amendment 
          Since Hamilton was able to convince the jury that what Zenger published was true, it showed people that if someone printed something that was true they would not be convicted of libel. So, this trial started the idea of freedom of press which is now in the First Amendment. 

4. What is the lasting significance of the trial? 
          Peter Zenger's trial set the precedent for freedom of press.  Although people of this time could not speak ill the royal governor, many were displeased with his rule. People enjoyed reading criticism, and they enjoyed being able to share there thoughts. Therefore, this trial paved the way for ideas such as freedom press. 



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