John Peter Zenger

ABOUT JOHN PETER ZENGER

German American journalist who was involved in the landmark 1735 court case which established that the truth was a defense against being sued for libel.

He began printing The New York Weekly Journal in 1733 and used it as a vehicle to criticize governor William Cosby.

"The Zenger Trial" established a strong precedent for upholding freedom of the press in the United States.

His son, John, continued printing his journal after his death.

Bronson Cutting was a 20th century American politician who also fought for freedom of the press.