Freedom of the Press

Printer John Peter Zenger went to trial in 1735 for publishing articles that criticized the colonial governor of New York. Help your readers to learn how his case helped shape the First Amendment, the definition of libel, the vindication of truth as a legal defense, and the right of a journalist to protect his or her sources. Readers will learn how Zenger's legacy established norms for the freedom of the press and how it remains relevant in the practice of journalism today.