Zenger+Trial+Assignment

[|English Bill of Rights 1689]

You read a little about John Peter Zenger on p. 92. This was big news back in 1733 as it would be today as it deals with free speech rights. You are to write a short article based on the circumstances surrounding this event. Here are your instructions:

Your article should be about two paragraphs in length. Please focus on three different areas in your article: 1. Headline - you need a catchy headline dealing with either the article Zenger published, his arrest, or his acquittal 2. Background - provide some information regarding the circumstances. This can be what he did, why he was arrested, and why he was found not guilty. 3. Freedom of the press - you should stress the importance of freedom of the press. What is the primary job of the press? Does the press (media, reporters, etc.) have certain rights and responsibilities? Is there a line they should or should not cross? Can the public benefit from what they publish? Can it hurt? These are questions to consider, not necessarily things you have to include.