LAD #2: "Peter Zenger"

1. Who was Peter Zenger?

Peter Zenger was a man from Germany who came to NY in 1710. He was the printer and editor of a newspaper called the New York Weekly Journal. But this newspaper was in opposition to the governor and bashed him numerous times. Zenger was then brought to trial and charged when the governor could take it no more.


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

The controversy over his charges were that although the slams he made were harsh, the people believed in them and they were actually true. This created controversy because he was charged with being libel but his defense, Hamilton pointed out to the jury that since the statements were true he could not be held libel. The jury was gone for only 15 minutes or so before they came back and concluded that Zengers was not guilty and could not be held on the charges of being libel.


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

It showed that the governments courts would hold up to their duties and protect the people's consitiutional rights like freedom of the press. It also helped lawyers since it allowed them to also use that if their clients statement could be proven true than they could not be held with the charge of being libel.


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

The lasting significance of this trial was the importance and backed up proof of freedom of the press to the people. This is because writers could now more freely critisize in articles as long as the stuff they print and say are true without being held libel. And with this, lawyers and courts new how to rule and what to do in the case of someone being charged with being libel.