Summary: In this lesson, students will first review summary and primary sources on the Trial of Peter Zenger. Students will then role play a mock trial of the Zenger trial. At the end of this lesson students will be able to understand the development of libel and a free press in colonial America; the importance of literacy, free press and daily newspapers in civic education in a democracy; and the power of juries to shape the law.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPD.1.a: Use multiple sources to analyze the factors that led to an increase in the political rights and participation in government
Links to Lesson: Freedom-of-Press.pmd (huntington.org) It suggests that it is for grade 5! Maybe find another source for this topic for high school.