Why did Andrew Hamilton defend John Peter Zenger and support free speech?

Andrew Hamilton defended John Peter Zenger in his 1735 libel trial because he believed in the fundamental right to free speech and the press. Zenger, a New York printer and journalist, was accused of criminal libel after publishing articles criticizing the colonial governor, William Cosby. At the time, the law considered it libelous to publish any information that was adversarial against the government, even if it was true.

Hamilton took on Zenger's case and argued that the truth should be a defense against libel. He contended that the people had the right to know and speak the truth about their government's actions. Hamilton's defense was an early and pivotal moment in the establishment of freedom of the press.

His defense strategy fundamentally shifted the libel laws and laid the groundwork for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Hamilton's successful defense of Zenger resulted in an acquittal, which was seen as a victory for colonial freedom and a foundational moment for American press freedom.