LAD/Blog 2: Zenger Trial

1. Who was Peter Zenger?
Peter Zenger was an immigrant who came from Germany, seeking a new life.  He ended up creating a publication called "The New York Weekly Journal."  In the publication, William Cosby, a governor, was criticized.  The government was accused of injustice in elections and favoritism towards the French by letting them into New York harbor.  Cosby, specifically, was accused of multiple crimes and was called numerous names.  Zenger only published the articles but would not give away any of the authors' names.

2. What was the controversy over his charges?
During the year 1733, Zenger was brought into jail for the crime labeled "libel."  Back then, the crime committed by him was publishing opposition to the government.  The judge felt that since Zenger never declared that he did not publish the articles, that he was automatically guilty.  One of the reasons that there was controversy over the charges was due to the first jury being biased towards Cosby.  People, including Andrew Hamilton (Zenger's lawyer), were upset because Zenger was being persecuted for something they felt was within their rights of equality and liberty.


3. What influence did his case have on American governmental traditions?
Zenger's case opened eyes to how freedom of speech was something that lots of people wanted to see in the government.  This was another piece of liberty fitting into the puzzle of making the American government form democracy work for the people.  As far as governmental traditions go, down the road, "freedom of the press" was added as the first amendment.  Publishers and writers became more relaxed when it came to expressing their own views and opinions within and also outside of the government.


4. What is the lasting significance of his trial?
Zenger's trial was very significant due to multiple things.  For one thing, Zenger and Hamilton were seen as heroes to many, because they were able to stand against the government (specifically Cosby) and highlight how the government was limiting the rights and freedoms of the people, and why they thought that should change.  Further, this step towards more freedom became majorly important during the Revolution by allowing people to share their opinions on the war.  Lastly, just in general, it gave people the confidence they needed, not just in the American Revolution, to speak up about things they thought needed fixing in the government and society.

The Salem Witch Trials are related to the Zenger Trial because of how much controversy both trials caused, and due to the reasons behind the trials.  Both caused much controversy due to to ideals of freedom and rights conflicting with the government or men.  The Zenger Trial was held because the government refused to have any opposition against it.  It was an opinion that opposition during that time period should not be allowed.  Similarly, the Salem Witch Trials were held because the men believed that the women were the reason for all of their problems.  Using women as their "escape goat,"the men refused to see any other point of view and just automatically assumed that they were right.