John Peter Zenger was a bold New Yorker who published a weekly journal that openly criticized Governor William Cosby.
2. What was the controversy over his charges?
Zenger was charged with criminal libel. Technically, what Zenger was publishing wasn't false, it was his own opinion. During Zenger's trial, Andrew Hamilton proclaimed that exposing public wickedness "is a duty which every man owes to the truth and his country."
3. What influence did his case have the American Government tradition?
The first amendment, set in 1791, states that all citizens have the freedom of speech and freedom of press. People can publish what they want and voice their opinions without being arrested or killed.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial?
Unlike the United States, in other countries people can be killed for criticizing their leaders. In Russia during WWII citizens could not criticize Lenin or Stalin without being punished or killed. Even today in North Korea citizens cannot speak out against their communist leaders. In the United States, however, it still holds true that citizens can voice their opinions and published hat they please without worrying about consequences.
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