Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger
Andrew Hamilton defended him against his trial.
Freedom of the press
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and right to petition the government
freedom of the press
The trial of John Peter Zenger would effectively strengthened freedom of the press in the colonies. It was the basis for the law allowing truth as a defense in libel cases.
Freedom of the press
John Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger
John Peter Zenger is often credited with scoring one of the first victories for freedom of the press. In 1735, he successfully defended himself against charges of seditious libel brought by the Governor of New York. The trial was significant as it established the precedent that truth could be used as a defense against libel charges and contributed to the evolution of freedom of the press in colonial America.