What differs in a defamation suit when the plaintiff is a public figure,as opposed to when the plaintiff is not a public figure?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the plaintiff is a public figure, they must prove that the statement was made with malice, meaning the person making the statement knew it was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. This is a higher standard than for non-public figures, who only need to prove negligence or that the person making the statement should have known it was false. Punitive damages may also be available in defamation suits involving public figures, but this is not always the case. The plaintiff still needs to prove actual injury to their reputation, even if they are a public figure, and whether the statement is a mere opinion or a statement of fact can be a factor in the case, but is not determinative. The medium in which the statement was made (written or oral) is also not a distinguishing factor.

What Differs in a Defamation Suit When the Plaintiff Is