Why did Peter Zenger go to trial?

Question

I need to know please. Thanks

Answer 1

Good question -

The short answer is that he was a Colonial printer in New York City. He published articles critical of the Royal governor and was put on trial for libel and sedition. the jury found him not guilty, a strong case for freedom of the press. His lawyer was Andrew Hamilton, of Philadelphia, a true hero in American history.


The following is directly from the Wikipedia article, so be careful to attribute your source [cite below] so you don't get accused of plagiarism.


"John Peter Zenger (October 26, 1697 – July 28, 1746) was a printer, publisher, editor and journalist in New York City. His indictment, trial and acquittal on sedition and libel charges against the Governor William Cosby of the New York Colony in 1734 were important contributing factors to the development of freedom of the press in America. The Zenger decision helped clarify the beliefs of early Colonial life and lay the groundwork for the responsibilities of both media and government in a functioning democracy."

Answer 2

Here ya go...

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/zenger/zenger.html