LAD/Blog #2: Peter Zenger








   Who was Peter Zenger?
 Peter Zenger was printer for a newspaper called the New York Weekly Journal during the 1730s who was accused of printing seditious libel because the paper criticized the governor and exposed his tyranny. 


   What was the controversy over his charges? 
There was controversy over the case because the government in New York was corrupt and the accusations made against Zenger were seen as a way for the governor to protect himself against his ridicule and exposure in the New York Weekly Journal.




   What influence did his case have on American governmental traditions?
 This case led to the inclusion of the right to freedom of press and the freedom of speech in the United States' constitution, as the founding fathers wanted to protect citizens from this type of tyranny. 




   What is the lasting significance of his trial?
 Peter Zenger's trial changed the way people thought about this issue and began the conversation of the government's infringement on man's rights.






There is debate today over whether the author of this anonymous piece that criticizes the president was justified in releasing it to the press and whether they should be investigated and found out. However, the first amendment granting freedom of press protects the author and their right to stay anonymous.










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