The Trial of Peter Zenger

<h1>The Trial of Peter Zenger</h1>Author: <a title="Meredith Miller" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/meredith-miller/148273.htm">Meredith Miller</a> I remember studying in school of the famous trial of a man named John Peter Zenger which occurred in 1735, in New York City. What was the evidence against him? He had been arrested in the year before for criticizing the governor in his newspaper, called the New York Weekly Journal. Now, according to British law, he was guilty of a criminal act, even if what he had printed were true. The publication was considered an unfavorable impression of the governor. The only real hope that Zenger had was that he had some friends and neighbors who were on the jury who would hear the case against him. He knew that some of them did not agree with the law and that a newspaper should be permitted to print the truth, even if the truth goes against those in power. But would the jury have the backbone to disregard the directions of the judges? Zenger's defense attorney was one of the best lawyers in America, whose name was Andrew Hamilton from the neighbor city of Philadelphia. Hamilton confronted the jury with determination to win this case. He simply told the jury that your decision will not only effect this newspaper man, but, the outcome of what you decide will determine the future of everyone under British rule. He also presented before the jury that Peter Zenger has battled to have the freedom to speak and write the truth in his newspaper. Furthermore, he has been standing fast for the worthy cause of liberty. Finding him innocent of the charges against him, will mean victory to you as well. Hamilton's argument for this case was very convincing. The jury came back from deliberation with a not guilty verdict. At that time the courtroom emerged with great excitement. The end result, the newspaper man John Peter Zenger walked out of the courtroom cleared of all charges. With the help of his lawyer, he had helped to created what is known today as the freedom of the press.About the Author: My name is Meredith Miller. I am a former teacher of a private christian school. I enjoy studying and doing research on various subjects. History was one of my majors in college in which I really enjoy writing about.

Author Link: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.millerdoctorofphilosophy.com">http://www.millerdoctorofphilosophy.com</a>

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I remember studying in school of the famous trial of a man named John Peter Zenger which occurred in 1735, in New York City. What was the evidence against him? He had been arrested in the year before for criticizing the governor in his newspaper, called the New York Weekly Journal. Now, according to British law, he was guilty of a criminal act, even if what he had printed were true. The publication was considered an unfavorable impression of the governor.

The only real hope that Zenger had was that he had some friends and neighbors who were on the jury who would hear the case against him. He knew that some of them did not agree with the law and that a newspaper should be permitted to print the truth, even if the truth goes against those in power. But would the jury have the backbone to disregard the directions of the judges?

Zenger's defense attorney was one of the best lawyers in America, whose name was Andrew Hamilton from the neighbor city of Philadelphia. Hamilton confronted the jury with determination to win this case. He simply told the jury that your decision will not only effect this newspaper man, but, the outcome of what you decide will determine the future of everyone under British rule. He also presented before the jury that Peter Zenger has battled to have the freedom to speak and write the truth in his newspaper. Furthermore, he has been standing fast for the worthy cause of liberty. Finding him innocent of the charges against him, will mean victory to you as well.

Hamilton's argument for this case was very convincing. The jury came back from deliberation with a not guilty verdict. At that time the courtroom emerged with great excitement. The end result, the newspaper man John Peter Zenger walked out of the courtroom cleared of all charges. With the help of his lawyer, he had helped to created what is known today as the freedom of the press.

My name is Meredith Miller. I am a former teacher of a private christian school. I enjoy studying and doing research on various subjects. History was one of my majors in college in which I really enjoy writing about. Author Link: http://www.millerdoctorofphilosophy.com

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