The Zenger Trial Explained

The Zenger trial of 1733 was a pivotal moment in colonial America, highlighting the corruption of Governor William Cosby and the fight for press freedom. John Peter Zenger, a publisher, was arrested for libel after his newspaper criticized the governor. Despite the odds, Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, argued that truth should be a defense against libel. The jury's not guilty verdict set a precedent for press freedom, influencing future legal standards and contributing to the development of the Bill of Rights.

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