LAD #2: John Peter Zenger

      1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

A German immigrant who printed and edited the New York Weekly Journal, which was created to oppose the governor’s unpopular policies and decisions.

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

The controversy was that the prosecution was accusing Zenger of libel, but Hamilton said that there could not be libel if what he printed was true, so while detrimental to the governor it was not illegal.

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

Zenger’s case influenced American government by establishing the foundation for freedom of press, as well as establishing that even if detrimental, it is not libel if it is true.

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

The lasting significance of Zenger’s trial was that it was one of the first cases of freedom of press.