New York Weekly Journal Quotes


He is but one degree removed from an idiot.

0  
Context

The reference was to the Royal Governor of New York, William Cosby. He was not mentioned by name but the context was very clear that it was he who was being lampooned. The Governor was furious, and had the New York Weekly Journal press burned to the ground. Then the crown prosecuted the publisher, Peter Zenger. This was one of the most famous trials in American history. Although it was clear that the existing law against defamation had been violated, the jury of New York colonists acquitted Zenger. To this day prosecutors in England and America are very worried about what has been called “jury nullification” of the law, and every state except Maryland has strung laws making it difficult if not impossible for a defense attorney to even suggest that the jury should quit because the law is wanting or unjust. The 1st Amendment was very much influences by the Zenger case.

Topics
Stupidity
Diminished Capacity
Foolishness
Idiocy
Mental Retardation
Cognitive Impairment
Foolish Behavior
Intellectual Disability
Limited Mental Capacity
Low IQ
Mental Deficiency
Mental Disability
Mental Incapacity
Lack Intelligence
Citations

Article defaming New York Royal Governor William Cosby New York Weekly Journal November 5, 1733

Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations

Linked Quotes

Andrew Hamilton
Andrew Hamilton

The question before the court and you, gentlemen of the jury, is not of small or private concern. It is not the cause of a poor printer, nor of New York alone, which you are trying. No. It may in its consequences affect every freeman that lives under British government on the main of America. It is the best cause. It is the cause of liberty. And I make no doubt but your upright conduct, this day, will not only entitle you to the love and esteem of your fellow citizens, but every man who prefers freedom to a life of slavery will bless and honor you as men who have baffled the attempt at tyranny and who, by an impartial and uncorrupt verdict, have laid a noble foundation for securing to ourselves and our posterity and our neighbors that to which nature and the laws of our country have given us a right—the liberty both of exposing and opposing arbitrary power by speaking and writing the truth.
0  
Citation

In 1735 John Peter Zenger was charged with "publishing several seditious libels" against the English Governor of New York. He was arrested and tried:. The jury acquitted Zenger, striking one of the first American blows against government censorship.

Andrew Hamilton
Andrew Hamilton

The loss of liberty to a generous mind is worse than death.
0  
Citation
Andrew Hamilton
Andrew Hamilton

There is a natural right to complain about abusive rulers — to “put their neighbors upon their guard against the craft or even ­violence of men in ­authority.
0  
Citation

In 1735 John Peter Zenger was charged with "publishing several seditious libels" against the English Governor of New York. He was arrested and tried:. The jury acquitted Zenger, striking one of the first American blows against government censorship. Hamilton, Zenger’s Defense Attorney. argued that although Zenger was clearly guilty of breaking the law, the law itself was unjust and dangerous. The jury unanimously acquitted Zenger. Today in England and in all states of America except Maryland, laws have been written preventing this kind of “jury nullification”.

Related Quotes
New York Weekly Journal
© XelaWho
New York Weekly Journal
  • Born:
  • Nationality: American
  • Profession: Newspaper
Biography

The New York Weekly Journal was a weekly journal, printed by John Peter Zenger, from November 5, 1733 to March 18, 1751. It was the second journal in New York City and the only one that criticized New York Royal governor William Cosby, for which reason the journal was burned in its first year and John Zenger was put in prison. Zenger was released without charges, this being one of the earliest cases where a fight for the freedom of press led to a victory in America.