LAD #2

1. John Peter Zenger was a controversial journalist who was not afraid to speak his voice about the injustices in his time. Particullarly during the year of 1733, Zenger spoke out against the recently appointed governor William Cosby. Zenger illustrated Cosby's injust practices within the judicial system, and while these articles revealed truth, they also were highly offensive. As a result of these articles Cosby arrested Zenger and one of the most influential trials was soon to be established.
2. Alexander Hamilton was the attorney appointed to Zenger's trial. The case itself had controversial origins because Zenger had been arrested for basically offending Cosby, not for violating any real law. Hamilton illustrated that the only way Zenger could actually be charged was that his articles were false, which they were not. Zenger was merely profiting from his right to freedom of speech and press that came along with being a human being. This trial marked the official recognition and protection of basic human rights.
3.This case illustrated much of what it is to be American. With a revolution on the rise, the colonists recognized that defending their basic rights was a must in setting up any new form of government. The American government has clearly made mistakes in regard to its sovereign but one thing that America can be characterized as is the land of freedom. Also this trial sought to end the judicial prejudices that can sway results in favor of powerful and rich men. While equal oppurtunity may never fully exist, basic rights such as freedom of press ensure that the pursuit of happiness and success can always be available.
4. This trial has a lasting effect on society in regards to the subject of debate within this trial. Basic human rights have been denied or only half-heartidly given during many centuries and even this even can hold true today. This case proved that the subject of freedom of speech and press would be given to Americans, if they were ever able to break away from their mother country. In addition to its foundation for the freedom of press it also called out against a unjust judicial system. This influence would never be forgotten, that this journalist could inform the public of the truth of the judicial tyranny this country was facing, in a way it was a precedent to the system of checks and balances. While it instituted no new laws, it established America as having the potential to grow as a just and prosperous nation.