The standard for a defamation case involving a public figure is the New York Times v. Sullivan defamation case.

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The New York Times v. Sullivan case set the standard for defamation cases involving public figures, establishing the "actual malice" standard. This means that in order to prove defamation, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant made the false statement with knowledge of its falsity or reckless disregard for whether it was true or false. This higher standard is necessary to protect freedom of speech and the press under the First Amendment.

The Standard for a Defamation Case Involving a Public Figure