Who was Zenger's lawyer that argued for his client's truth regarding the governor?

Who was Zenger's lawyer that argued for his client's truth regarding the governor?

• A. Thomas Jefferson
• B. Alexander Hamilton
• C. Andrew Hamilton
• D. James Madison

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is Andrew Hamilton, who served as Zenger's lawyer during the famous 1735 trial. Hamilton's defense was pivotal because he argued that the truth of Zenger's published statements should be a valid defense against the charge of libel. At that time, the legal system typically viewed libel as a crime regardless of the truth of the statements made. However, Hamilton's innovative argument laid the groundwork for the principle that freedom of the press includes the right to publish truthful information, challenging the prevailing views of the colonies on free speech and the press. This case is significant in American history as it reinforced the idea that citizens have the right to criticize the government without fear of retribution, establishing a crucial precedent for future free speech cases.

The correct answer is Andrew Hamilton, who served as Zenger's lawyer during the famous 1735 trial. Hamilton's defense was pivotal because he argued that the truth of Zenger's published statements should be a valid defense against the charge of libel. At that time, the legal system typically viewed libel as a crime regardless of the truth of the statements made. However, Hamilton's innovative argument laid the groundwork for the principle that freedom of the press includes the right to publish truthful information, challenging the prevailing views of the colonies on free speech and the press. This case is significant in American history as it reinforced the idea that citizens have the right to criticize the government without fear of retribution, establishing a crucial precedent for future free speech cases.