Zenger

[ zeng-er, -ger ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

John Peter, 1697–1746, American journalist, printer, and publisher, born in Germany: his libel trial and eventual acquittal (1735) set a precedent for establishing freedom of the press in America.

Andrew Hamilton of Philadelphia defended Mr. Zenger with law, wit, learning, and eloquence.

Zenger's lawyer argued that the jury must decide on whether or not the publication was libellous.

The verdict for Zenger, when it finally came, was the signal for an outburst of popular rejoicing.

Very soon Zenger was arrested, charged with publishing libels against the city officials and the King.

Cosby, after the Zenger trial, did what he could to check the liberty of the citizens, but was soon stricken with a fatal illness.

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