The Press and the Government
Chronology of the Relationship
1735 — A New York court recognizes freedom of the press and due process of law by acquitting John Peter Zenger, editor of Weekly Journal. Zenger had been charged with libeling the British governor by criticizing his conduct in office. Alexander Hamilton, who defended Zenger, argued successfully that the charges printed by Zenger were true, and thus not libelous. Often seen as the cornerstone of American press freedom.1783 — The first daily newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post, appears.1791 — Virginia is the final State to ratify the Bill of Rights with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which ensures…
