During peter zenger’s trial, his lawyer, andrew hamilton, asked the prosecution to prove that zenger had published false material. after the prosecution failed to do so, the jury acquitted zenger of the charges of libel. how did this case increase the freedom of the colonists? the colonists could criticize the government as long as they were speaking the truth. all colonists were now free to participate in the workings of the colonial legislature. the colonists were now free to speak or print any material without the fear of libel charges. the colonists were now free to challenge or reject the authority of any government official.