Trial of John Peter Zenger
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: North American Series
- Categories: Government and Politics, Social Issues, Reform, and Protest, Law, Legal History, Courts
- Subcategories: Colonialism, Colonies, Settlements, Civil Rights, Minority Rights, Minorities, Court Cases, Rulings, Appeals, Trials, Judges, Lawyers, Media, Journalism, Journalists, Censorship
- Curriculum: American Colonial History (1607-1775)
- Geographical Location: New York
- Date: August 4, 1734
Article abstract: Early precedent for freedom of the press and freedom of speech, including the freedom to criticize government.
Summary of Event
John Peter Zenger’s fame rests upon his role in what is perhaps the best-known free speech case in American history. Born in Germany in 1697, Zenger emigrated to New York in 1710 and took up an apprenticeship with William Bradford, publisher of the New York Gazette. Bradford was then the only printer in New York and the printer for the colonial government. Zenger became a master printer whose graphic...
[The entire page is 1364 words long]
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