Who was Zenger's lawyer that argued for his client's truth regarding the governor?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam – Period 2. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for your AP exam and boost your confidence!

The individual who served as Zenger's lawyer and asserted the truth about the governor's actions was Andrew Hamilton. This significant case, Zenger v. Cosby in 1734, dealt with the issue of freedom of the press in the American colonies. Andrew Hamilton argued that Zenger should not be prosecuted for publishing critical statements about the colonial governor because they were true. This landmark case is often cited as an early precedent for the concept of press freedom and has had a lasting impact on American legal principles regarding truth as a defense in libel cases.

The other lawyers mentioned, such as Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, had important roles in early American history, but they were not involved in Zenger's trial or arguments. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were prominent figures in the later development of American political philosophy and rights, while Alexander Hamilton's contributions were largely in finance and government structure during the founding period. Thus, Andrew Hamilton stands out as the correct answer in the context of Zenger's legal defense.

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