Peter Zenger's Influence On The United States Constitution
New York is one of the most creative states on earth , after all it provided a model for the rest of the United States to build from .This was the constitution of New York , and it has greatly influenced other states in their development and the contents of the federal constitution. Although events like the Peter Zenger trial and British Parliament Government help shape the New York State Constitution .The effect of the events protects our rights as citizens of the state as well.
The trial of Peter Zenger help sway the idea of freedom of speech in the constitution of New York State. Peter Zenger was a writer / reporter who was accused of Libel ; a false publishment that may damage someone’s reputation. He was arrested in 1733 because he published an article in The New York Weekly Journal displaying the corrupt actions of Governor Williams Cosby. Zenger’s defense lawyer argued that Zenger was not guilty of libel because the statements against Cosby were true. Stating In Peter Zenger and the Freedom of Press “the truth is an absolute defense against liberty”. Agreeing with his lawyer , a verdict of not guilty was quickly reached. This verdict ultimately lead to New York State adding the idea …show more content…
Stated In Document 2 “ The constitution makers of 1776 and 1777 had to refer to basic principles partly because they lacked exact models to guide them .. The closest thing to a working model was, ironically, the British government.” After all the colonies only knew about and experienced one government at the time . They used this to there advantage playing off british ideas to create new ones that benefitted them and reflect their own ideas. This indirectly lead to the separation of powers, where no one party / power can outweigh the next .This protects our rights as citizens as now no one can abuse their power to violate them
The trial of Peter Zenger help sway the idea of freedom of speech in the constitution of New York State. Peter Zenger was a writer / reporter who was accused of Libel ; a false publishment that may damage someone’s reputation. He was arrested in 1733 because he published an article in The New York Weekly Journal displaying the corrupt actions of Governor Williams Cosby. Zenger’s defense lawyer argued that Zenger was not guilty of libel because the statements against Cosby were true. Stating In Peter Zenger and the Freedom of Press “the truth is an absolute defense against liberty”. Agreeing with his lawyer , a verdict of not guilty was quickly reached. This verdict ultimately lead to New York State adding the idea …show more content…
Stated In Document 2 “ The constitution makers of 1776 and 1777 had to refer to basic principles partly because they lacked exact models to guide them .. The closest thing to a working model was, ironically, the British government.” After all the colonies only knew about and experienced one government at the time . They used this to there advantage playing off british ideas to create new ones that benefitted them and reflect their own ideas. This indirectly lead to the separation of powers, where no one party / power can outweigh the next .This protects our rights as citizens as now no one can abuse their power to violate them