Existing comment:
1735
The Trial of John Peter Zenger
London, 1762
Criticizing British administrators in Colonial America was hazardous. Under British common law, the truth of allegations about authorities offered no defense against seditious libel. In 1735, John Peter Zenger, publisher of a New York City newspaper, was prosecuted for libel and fomenting discontent with his criticism of the royal governor's conduct. Zenger was acquitted, an outcome that came to be recognized as an important moment in the establishment of press freedom in America. |