LAD/Blog #2: Peter Zenger

1.)    Who was Peter Zenger?

He was in charge of printing for the newspaper, The New York Weekly Journal. It was started by Lewis Morris after Governor William Cosby removed him from his role as a chief judge. It was due to a comment Morris made towards him. Evidently, Cosby does not tolerate free speech and after reading Zanger's articles that opposed him, he took immediate action by landing Zanger in jail.

2.)   What was the controversy over his charges?

Zenger was arrested due to claims of seditious libel but Alexander Hamilton came to his defense and helped prove that his remarks about the governor were true by asking the jury to judge them. The jury did not disagree with what Zanger wrote so therefore, it was not defamation. 

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

This case aided in freedom of speech among other publishers and encouraged them to be unafraid to post their opinions, in fear of consequences. Freedom of speech was more widely accepted and influenced people to be more vocal about their beliefs.

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

It left a lasting impact on Americans as this was a major step towards achieving freedom of speech and the press. Without this trial, significant documents like the Bill of Rights or the United States Consitution might not have been made. Even today, people are given the right to freely criticize celebrities and politicians, whether it's online or vocally, without being taken to trail.