What act did the jury ignore when acquitting Zenger?

The jury's acquittal of John Peter Zenger was significant because it demonstrated a pivotal moment in the development of the principle of freedom of the press in America. Specifically, they ignored the English law prohibiting libel, which was the standard at the time for cases involving printed material that defamed individuals, particularly public officials. Zenger's defense argued that the criticisms published in his newspaper were based on truth and that the government should not have the authority to punish someone for printing truthfully about their actions.

The acquittal was groundbreaking because it set a precedent that established the importance of a free press in a democratic society, emphasizing that the truth could be a defense against charges of libel. This case was a foundational moment for the concept of freedom of speech and laid the groundwork for future legal interpretations regarding press freedoms in the United States. It illustrated the growing sentiment for individual rights and the eventual push for the First Amendment guarantees.