John Peter Zenger's trial in 1735 established

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John Peter Zenger's trial established the precedent that truth is a defense in libel cases. This paved the way for greater freedom of the press and the ability to criticize public officials without fear of punishment. However, it did not establish absolute freedom of the press or private ownership of newspapers. The right to send newspapers through the mail was established later with the Postal Act of 1792. The legal difference between libel and slander was already established before the trial.

John Peter Zenger's Trial in 1735 Established