What was the outcome of Zenger trial?
The governor of New York secured an indictment of seditious libel against John Peter Zenger for publishing articles criticizing him. At this time in history and based on English common law, truth was not a defense for libel. But after a compelling defense by Andrew Hamilton, a jury acquitted Zenger.
Did Zenger trial gain rights?
John Peter Zenger (October 26, 1697 – July 28, 1746) was a German printer and journalist in New York City. Zenger printed The New York Weekly Journal. He was accused of libel in 1734 by William Cosby, the royal governor of New York, but the jury acquitted Zenger, who became a symbol for freedom of the press.
What was the outcome of the John Peter Zenger trial?
The Trial of John Peter Zenger. The John Peter Zenger trial would lead the way for the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, which reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,…
Who was the best trial attorney in the colonies?
Alexander and Smith searched for the most experienced trial attorney in the colonies and selected a man by the name Andrew Hamilton. A resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was no relation to Alexander Hamilton and was born in Scotland in 1656.
Why was John Peter Zenger charged with seditious libel?
However, once the paper began to grow in popularity, he decided to put a stop to it. Zenger was arrested and a formal charge of seditious libel was made against him on November 17, 1734.
Who was the Chief Justice in the Zenger case?
When Zenger would be later brought to trial, Bradford would remain neutral in the case. Zenger was approached by Lewis Morris, a chief justice who had been removed from the bench by Governor William Cosby after he ruled against him.