Ace the US History Practice Exam 2026 – Dive into the Past and Own Your Future!

The defendant in the landmark libel case affirming that truth is a defense was John Peter Zenger. This case, which took place in 1735, was a pivotal moment in the early history of American journalism and legal principles concerning freedom of speech. Zenger, a newspaper publisher in the American colonies, was charged with libel for publishing articles that criticized the colonial governor of New York, William Cosby.

During the trial, Zenger's attorney, Andrew Hamilton, argued that the information published in the newspaper was true. This assertion became the crux of the defense: that truth should be a legitimate defense against libel charges, rather than just the opinions or perceptions about the content. The jury ultimately found Zenger not guilty, marking a significant step towards the establishment of press freedom in America and reinforcing the idea that truthful statements, even if they are critical or damaging, cannot be deemed libelous. This case laid foundational principles for the rights of individuals to publish truthful information without fear of retribution, which are integral to democratic society.