Meaning Of John Peter Zenger
He would spend eight months in jail and the ensuing trial would result in a symbolic victory for a free press and lay the foundation for the american revolution and the first amendment.
Meaning of john peter zenger. Zenger was charged with libel and acquitted. Library of congress washington d c. John peter zenger was born in germany in 1697.
At the age of 13 zenger was apprenticed for eight years to the prominent printer william bradford who is known as the pioneer printer of the. He immigrated to new york with his family in 1710. Emigrating to new york city at 13 zenger was indentured for eight years as an apprentice to william bradford pioneer printer of the.
Freedom of the press as a civil right was established during the colonial era in the trial of john peter zenger. Meaning many of the past proceedings of his excellency the governor and of the ministers and officers of the king of and for the said province and the attorney general likewise gives the court here to understand and be informed. Zenger was indicted for seditious libel for criticizing the governor.
The case has forever associated his name with the cause of freedom of speech and of the press in america. John peter zenger born 1697 germany died july 28 1746 new york city new york printer and journalist whose famous acquittal in a libel suit 1735 established the first important victory for freedom of the press in the english colonies of north america. John peter zenger october 26 1697 july 28 1746 was a german printer and journalist in new york city zenger printed the new york weekly journal.
The trial of john peter zenger a new york printer was an important step toward this most precious freedom for american colonists. His father died during the voyage and his mother joanna was left to support him and his two siblings. The trial of john peter zenger 1697 1746 was one of the most important events in shaping american thinking toward freedom of speech prior to and after the adoption of the first amendment.
He was accused of libel in 1734 by william cosby the royal governor of new york but the jury acquitted zenger who became a symbol for freedom of the press. John peter zenger 1697 1746 american printer was selected to print a weekly newspaper by a faction of influential men opposed to a governor of new york. John peter zenger 1697 1746 american printer was selected to print a weekly newspaper by a faction of influential men opposed to a governor of new york.