Question

Which Enlightenment principle motivated John Peter Zenger to defy British law?

Answer 1

Answer:

A.  

the idea that he had a natural right to express criticism of corrupt government

Explanation:

Peter Zenger was a New York publisher who was accused of seditious libel (which according to dictionary.com is written/spoken words that defame the government). Zenger's trial was held from 1734-1735 in New York. Zenger was accused of libel by New York governor, William Cosby after Zenger's publication, the Weekly Journal, printed unflattering editorials about the governor's actions. Andrew Hamilton defended Zenger and eventually won the case, lifting some of the restrictions on freedom of press.

Historical Significance:

Zenger's trial drew attention to freedom of press and the individual colonists' interpretation of the law. The final verdict ruled that as long as the articles were factually true, they could not be called libelous, even if they criticized the government or government officials. The verdict planted seeds for what would eventually grow into the American Revolution, for once the colonists got a taste of freedom and were able to comment about and make changes to their own government, they no longer believed in the power or justice of British rule. Today, American citizens assert their right to "freedom of the press," an issue that took root in America because of Zenger's trial.