John Peter Zenger

Significance
In 1734, Zenger published a newspaper that criticized governor William Cosby. Cosby claimed that the paper was seditious, and Zenger was arrested for false claims. He then went to trial, Andrew Hamilton as his lawyer. Hamilton stated that, seditious or not, it cannot be libel if it is indeed true. This trial, as well as Zenger himself, set a precedent for freedom of speech, and influenced the First Amendment in the Constitution.

Skills
Outspoken

Special Awards
Medal of Haters Gonna Hate

Foot in the Mouth Award

Quotes
No nation ancient or modern ever lost the liberty of freely speaking, writing, or publishing their sentiments, but forthwith lost their liberty in general and became slaves.

-- John Peter Zenger

The loss of liberty in general would soon follow the suppression of the liberty of the press; for it is an essential branch of liberty, so perhaps it is the best preservative of the whole.

-- John Peter Zenger