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Story
September 3, 1842
The Radical
Bowling Green, Pike County, Missouri
What is this article about?
Historical account of the 1734 John Peter Zenger libel trial in New York, where editor Zenger was defended by Andrew Hamilton against charges for publishing truths critical of the governor, resulting in a jury acquittal that bolstered freedom of the press.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
[From the Organ.]
Morning Star of the Revolution.
The first libel case for publishing the truth in this country occurred in N. Y. in 1734. At this time the Civil Governors were constantly menacing the people with threats of vengeance, for their independence of thought and word. A newspaper was established to defend the popular cause. In less than a year, the editor, John P. Zenger, was imprisoned for publishing libels. The Grand Jury refused to find a bill, but the Attorney General was determined to have Zenger tried. An aged lawyer of Philadelphia, Andrew Hamilton, came forward in defence of Zenger and his press, and justified the publication by pleading its truth; but the chief Justice declared the truth could not be given in evidence. Then said Hamilton to the jury we appeal to you as witnesses of the fact, and you have a right to determine the law and the evidence. The question, said he, is not the cause of a poor printer, but the cause of liberty. The verdict of the jury was not guilty. The people of the colonies exulted in the result, and the Common Council of New York tendered to Hamilton the franchise of the city for his noble defence of freedom against tyranny, and we are now reaping the fruits of his success.
You, Mr. Editor, are indebted to it for the just and honorable verdict received from your compeers for publishing the truth, and the decision has added one more star to the constellation of the stars of freedom.
Morning Star of the Revolution.
The first libel case for publishing the truth in this country occurred in N. Y. in 1734. At this time the Civil Governors were constantly menacing the people with threats of vengeance, for their independence of thought and word. A newspaper was established to defend the popular cause. In less than a year, the editor, John P. Zenger, was imprisoned for publishing libels. The Grand Jury refused to find a bill, but the Attorney General was determined to have Zenger tried. An aged lawyer of Philadelphia, Andrew Hamilton, came forward in defence of Zenger and his press, and justified the publication by pleading its truth; but the chief Justice declared the truth could not be given in evidence. Then said Hamilton to the jury we appeal to you as witnesses of the fact, and you have a right to determine the law and the evidence. The question, said he, is not the cause of a poor printer, but the cause of liberty. The verdict of the jury was not guilty. The people of the colonies exulted in the result, and the Common Council of New York tendered to Hamilton the franchise of the city for his noble defence of freedom against tyranny, and we are now reaping the fruits of his success.
You, Mr. Editor, are indebted to it for the just and honorable verdict received from your compeers for publishing the truth, and the decision has added one more star to the constellation of the stars of freedom.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
Heroic Act
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Zenger Trial
Libel Case
Freedom Of Press
Andrew Hamilton
1734
What entities or persons were involved?
John P. Zenger
Andrew Hamilton
Where did it happen?
N. Y.
Story Details
Key Persons
John P. Zenger
Andrew Hamilton
Location
N. Y.
Event Date
1734
Story Details
In 1734, New York editor John P. Zenger was imprisoned for libel after publishing criticisms of the governor. Philadelphia lawyer Andrew Hamilton defended him by arguing the truth of the publications, appealing directly to the jury despite the chief justice's ruling. The jury acquitted Zenger, celebrated as a victory for liberty and freedom of the press.