Multiple choice

John Peter Zenger was charged with the crime of seditious libel because...

  1. printed negative letters about the governor

  2. he spoke out publicly, criticizing the rule of the governor

  3. he printed negative political cartoons

  4. He talked smack about the governor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

John Peter Zenger, a New York printer, was arrested and tried for seditious libel after publishing articles that criticized the corrupt royal governor, William Cosby. His landmark trial established the principle that truth is a defense against libel, paving the way for freedom of the press.

Keep practicing — related questions