In 1735 John Peter Zenger of the New York Weekly Journal faced charges of libel for printing a critical report about the royal governor of New York. Andrew Hamilton argued that free speech was a basic right of English people. he defended Zenger by asking the jury to base its decision on weather Zenger's article was true, not weather Zenger'sarticle offensive. the jury found Zenger not guilty. at the time the case attracted little attention but today it is regarded as an important step in the development of a free press in America.
Andrew Hamilton
John Peter Zenger
Andrew Hamilton defended him against his trial.
because he is a man
Andrew Hamilton was John Peter Zenger's Lawyer in 1735.
Peter Zenger
In 1735 John Peter Zenger of the New York Weekly Journal faced charges of libel for printing a critical report about the royal governor of New York. Andrew Hamilton argued that free speech was a basic right of English people. he defended Zenger by asking the jury to base its decision on weather Zenger's article was true, not weather Zenger'sarticle offensive. the jury found Zenger not guilty. at the time the case attracted little attention but today it is regarded as an important step in the development of a free press in America.
Andrew Hamilton was his lawyer.
John peter zenger died by eating a poisonous rabbit
John Peter Zenger was a Patriot, he was also a journalist.
The Zenger trial refers to the 1735 court case of John Peter Zenger, a New York printer charged with libel for publishing criticisms of the colonial governor, William Cosby. Zenger's defense, led by lawyer Andrew Hamilton, argued that truth should be a defense against libel, challenging the prevailing legal standards of the time. The jury acquitted Zenger, establishing a precedent for freedom of the press and the principle that truthful statements about public officials cannot be deemed libelous. This case is often seen as a foundational moment for American journalism and free speech.
The John Peter Zenger trial, held in 1735, was a landmark case in colonial America that established the principle of freedom of the press. Zenger, a German-American printer, was charged with libel for publishing articles critical of the New York colonial governor, William Cosby. His defense, led by attorney Andrew Hamilton, argued that truth should be a defense against libel charges. The jury acquitted Zenger, setting a precedent for press freedom and the importance of journalistic integrity in the face of governmental authority.