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| John Peter Zenger Trial http://www.gailjarrow.com/zenger_clip_image012.jpg |
1. John Peter Zenger was a German immigrant the came to America in 1710. He became the printer and editor of a news paper that opposed Governor William Crosby. He wrote many articles criticizing Governor Crosby's policies and actions, including the prosecution of Governor Rip Van Dam and the removal of Chief Court Justice Lewis Morris. Governor Crosby arrested Zenger.
2. The controversy of his charges was that Zenger's claims were not illegal because they were true. Andrew Hamilton, Zenger's lawyer, decided during the court case to plead directly towards the jury. Zenger was proven to be not guilty.
3. The major influence that this case had on American governmental tradition is that something is not illegal if it is true, therefor allowing freedom of press.
4. The lasting significance is the advancement of freedom of press. Because of this trial newspapers every where were allowed to print opposing viewpoints. People were finally allowed to speak up and stand up for what they believed instead of just following along with everyone else.
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