LAD/Blog #2: John Peter Zenger Trial

1.) Who was Peter Zenger?

Peter Zenger was the printer of the New York Weekly Journal, and a critic of the governor at the time.

2.) What was the controversy over his charges?

Zenger was charged between seditious libel. The judge overseeing the case, among others, intended to imprison Zenger despite the validity of the claims put forward. Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, formulated the claim that what Zenger had been printing was not libelous if truthful. This was a nearly unbeatable defense and ultimately saved Zenger from imprisonment.

3.) What influence did his case have on American governmental traditions?

Hamilton's successful defense of Zenger provided a precedent for and affirmed freedom of the press within the developing nation. This precedent remains in order to enable those to freely criticize government without the fear of punishment.

4.) What is the lasting significance of his trial?

Zenger's case is the precedent for an essential cornerstone of our democracy, freedom of press. This is outlined in the First Amendment.

Peter Zenger

His Trial

A narrative of his trial.

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LAD/Blog #8: Washington's Farewell Address

As America's first president, many actions taken by George Washington are considered modern precedents in modern America. In his address, he set the precedent for a 2-term presidency to prevent abuse of power. Washington warns of the formation of factions in American politics, citing that it will lead to excessive disunity. He believed this would weaken the US as a people. He mentions the importances of taxes and funding the government appropriately, and that even though its resented it is still necessary. As he progresses, he preaches neutrality and isolationism, and not to get involved in the petty conflicts of Europe. Washington ends this speech with thanks to the American people, who enabled his success. Washington's Farewell address Another precedent Washington set was a farewell address, as President Barack Obama's address is pictured here.

LAD/Blog #19: The Dred Scott Decision

On March 6 1857, the Supreme court decided that any African Americans either slave or free were not American citizens and therefore could not pursue legal matters in court. Moreover, the court found that Congress did not have the ability to abolish slavery and that slave owners ownership on slaves was protected by the 5th amendment. Collectively, this came from Scott v. Sandford, where widowed Eliza Sanford refused to let Scott buy his freedom despite formerly living in a free state, causing a lawsuit. Justice Taney ruled that this case would not be considered and due to this, tensions furthered between North and South grew. Dred Scott Decision Brown v. Board of education was very similar to this ruling

LAD/Blog #11: Monroe Doctrine

On December 2, 1823 President Monroe spoke to Congress explaining new and consequential Foreign policies under the title of the Monroe Doctrine. Through his new policies, 4 major aspects were addressed. First, Monroe proclaimed that the U.S. would not interfere with European affairs and conflicts. As he continued, he further exemplified his isolationist and neutral foreign policy by stating that he would not interfere with pre-existing European colonies, however his third point restricted any European nations from colonizing in the Western Hemisphere from this point forward. As Monroe addressed his final point, he subtly stated that he would protect nations if they were colonized by European powers. The Doctrine was originally going to be a joint declaration with Britain, however Adams appealed to American nationalism and it became a solely U.S. affair. Because of this, many European nations did not recognize the Monroe Doctrine, however America still had the support of Br...

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