LAD/Blog #2: Peter Zenger

1.)    Who was Peter Zenger?

A skilled printer for the New-York Weekly Journal that took part in accusing the corrupt Cosby administration of tyranny and violence. The Governor tried him for seditious libel, but he was later acquitted.

2.)   What was the controversy over his charges?

Zenger was being charged for seditious libel, but many of the facts he published were highly accurate and true, not lies to promote an unjust uprising against Governor Cosby.  Also, judges De Lancey and Philispe were allies of Cosby, possibly being biased towards the trial.

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

This trial was the foundation of the first amendment, freedom of the press. It also helped progress justice in the court system, as the truth was a substantial defense against seditious libel.

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

Learnings from the trial are embodied in the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Sedition act of 1798, to protect against corruption in the American political system. To add on, the juries power in the trial became reinforced against the judge, having executive power.

Sketch of Peter Zenger

The Zenger trial reminds me of the Bill of rights, as it incorporates the idea of freedom of the press in its 1st amendment, a key understanding for the trial.

A depiction of the Peter Zenger Trial