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Addison D.

Addison D. Homework complete

'''1. Two important trials or series of trials occurred in the colonies between 1690 and 1750. What where they, and why were they significant?''' Perhaps the most important of these trials was the Zenger case in 1730.  John Peter Zenger, a newspaper printer, was put on trial for libeling the governor of New York.  Even though what he printed was true, the libel law still made it illegal.  However, the jury decided to ignore the law and upheld Zenger’s innocence.  This trial is significant for two reasons: it established the precedent for freedom of the press in America, and it was a major example of “jury nullification,” right of the jury to “nullify” or ignore a law.

'''1. Two important trials or series of trials occurred in the colonies between 1690 and 1750. What where they, and why were they significant?''' Perhaps the most important of these trials was the Zenger case in 1730.  John Peter Zenger, a newspaper printer, was put on trial for libeling the governor of New York.  Even though what he printed was true, the libel law still made it illegal.  However, the jury decided to ignore the law and upheld Zenger’s innocence.  This trial is significant for two reasons: it established the precedent for freedom of the press in America, and it was a major example of “jury nullification,” right of the jury to “nullify” or ignore a law.