LAD #2: Peter Zenger

1. Who was Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was the printer of the New-York Weekly Journal. After the journal accused Governor William Cosby of tyranny, Cosby did everything he could to arrest Zenger. During his trial, Zenger was accused of seditious libel, a charge that goes directly against today's value of freedom of speech.

2. What was the controversy over his charges?

Peter Zenger was merely the printer of the paper. Lewis Morris, James Alexander, and William Smith set up the New-York Weekly Journal and were the ones who actually published the articles that accused Cosby. This was controversial because Cosby, rather than accusing the writers of the journal, was determined to show his power by arresting Zenger. The charges against Zenger, additionally, strictly enforced the British authority in America, which caused the more rebellious colonists to disagree with the accusations against Zenger.

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

The Crown v. John Peter Zenger case reflects the later inclusion of freedom of speech in the United States Constitution. Much like many parts of America's early government, Britain's act of enforcing its power through limiting the colonists' speech led to early Americans resenting these limitations. Therefore, citizens were allowed full freedom of speech and press. However, before America gained its independence, the Zenger case had little effect on later legal cases.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial?

Peter Zenger's trial, at the time, mainly influenced how people thought about the freedom of press. Before the case, British citizens rarely noticed how the government restricted their day to day lives. However, once they were exposed to these limitations, the colonists did not forget. When America gained its independence it made sure to protect the freedom of speech and press. The Peter Zenger case set a precedent in the courtroom. Jurors gained more influence and the overall executive power became more independent.

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Crown v. John Peter Zenger Case:
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The First Amendment protects the American right of freedom of speech:

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