John Peter Zenger was a man living in New York who wrote articles in his newspaper critisizing the governor. The governor then tried to punish Zenger, but the public attention the trial recieved helped Zenger more than the governor.
This was a controversy because Zenger had done nothing wrong and had only printed the truth in his articles. Since Alexander Hamilton had presented such a case against the governor, freedom of speech in the colonies was greatly increased.
This case had influenced the way Americans think; we do not have to think about what we say. This tradition of free speech is different than a country without this right, and it has influenced our culture and government.
This trial had a long lasting signifigance because it gave inspiration to those who had thoughts about governement issues and wanted to speak out. This case showed many people that it is okay to say your opinion if it is true.
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