Question

The legal case surrounding John Peter Zenger in 1734 dealt with issues that that would later be addressed by what Amendment in the Bill of Rights?

Answer 1

The legal case surrounding John Peter Zenger in 1734 dealt with issues that would later be addressed by the First Amendment which strengthens the freedom of the press.

John Peter Zenger was arrested for printing a publication in The New York Weekly Journal. This publication accused the governor William S. Cosby of corruption, rigging various elections and serious crimes. Zenger only printed the articles without revealing the names of the authors. He was proved innocent by the jury that admitted his right to print allegations that yet had to be proved right or wrong.

Answer 2

John Peter Zenger was a journalist from based in New York City who printed The New York Weekly Journal. In 1734, he was accused of defamation by the William Cosby, who exercised the role of royal governor of New York at that time. However, he was ultimately acquitted by the Jury.

The Bill of Rights is composed of the first 10 amendments of the US Constitution. The First Amendment addresses the peoples freedom of speech. It prohibits the Congress to restrict the press's right to publish papers or individuals' right to express their opinions. It also grants the right to individuals to gather together (assemble) and issue a petition to the government.