Why were colonial assemblies and colonial courts created?

Established in 1619, Virginia's assembly was the firrst colonial legislature in North America. At first it met as a single body; later it was split into two houses. The first house was known as the Council of State. The gov-ernor's advisory council and the London Company selected its members. The House of Burgesses was the assembly's second house. The members were elected by colonists.

Colonial courts made up another important part of colonial governments. Whenever possible, colonists used the courts to control local affairs. In general, the courts reflected the beliefs of their local communities. For example, many laws in Massachusetts enforced the Puritans' religious beliefs. Laws based on the Bible set the standard for the community's conduct. Sometimes colonial courts also protected individual freedoms. For example, in 1733 officials arrested John Peter Zenger for printing a false statement that damaged the reputation of the governor of New York. Andrew Hamilton, Zenger's attorney, argued that Zenger could publish whatever he wished as long as it was true. Jury members believed that colonists had a right to voice their ideas openly and found him not guilty.

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