Zenger Excerpt
From the excerpt, Zenger defence led by Mr Hamilton perfectly executes the use of the rhetoric expression of liberty. The use of the rhetoric of liberty is often persuasive, convincing and mind jogging. Mr Hamilton uses this method to counter the prosecutor and to instil self-awareness or reminder of the matters of freedom to everyone in the courtroom.
Rhetoric validation of the libel publication
Mr Hamilton, in his opening remarks, terms the libel publication as real, but in a hidden encounter of the attorney’s statements not terming it as a false publication. This gives a sounding first time win on the part of the defence team of Zenger. The other rhetoric validation of the libel comes in when he concludes by emphasizing that the publication were for the best cause and anyone who believed in liberty and freedom of the people would support the cause. Suggestively saying that prosperity of the people requires individuals like Zenger who will expose the ill in the government. The defence cited that they have been denied the liberty of proving the truth and even though they own strong evidence with them.
On to the jury and judge
Mr Hamilton rhetorically attacks the jury, the judge, on their stand of liberty and matters on freedom of speech and expression. He mentions the oppression that the freemen who want to stand up for truth but are put down for the very reason of so doing. By outrightly stating that the jury and judge would enjoy love from the citizens-people who want liberalization, they would gain respect and love. This persuades that any other decision apart from the acquittal of Mr Zenger would see the judge and the jury face the wrath of the people. This would force them to lean on dismissing the case and enjoy public support.
The government and the country
Rhetoric argument and attack on the Government’ lack of accountability. The defence of Zenger points out instances of oppression and prosecution that befall the people who demand accountability from the government as are numerous. This is persuasive and suggestive that Zenger’s libels are part of the many cases used by the government to oppress and prosecute the same people who want the government to be liable for its acts. The country’s governance is compared to British colonial rule.
The defence team also attacks the power of the government. In his submissions, Mr Hamilton describes the government as unfriendly and authoritarian. The government crashes its citizens, who are described as subjects. This rhetorical submission shows how the people, including Zenger, are powerless and can never match the government-men in authority. Mr Hamilton additionally adds that the libels are not caused by poor printer, this portrays the rhetoric of liberating poor people who are under the control of a mighty authority
British Colonial Society in the 18th Century
Mr Hamilton, in his defence, compares the consequences faced by the people of New York City similar to the rule under the British Colonial society. This gives the idea of slavery and people oppression, where any voice raised to try to liberate the people was countered with strong force from the people in authority. It paints a picture of people who were living in a very harsh environment, and freedom and right of people was nothing but a dream. The
The acquittal of Zenger after the submission made by Mr Hamilton confirms the type of dictatorial governance that existed the British colonial society that oppressed the poor.