In cases of defamation, public figures have to deal with libelous comments unless they can prove ___________. This means that the statements were "made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard of whether it was true or false," according to the Supreme Court in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.

Question

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Public figures must prove "actual malice" in defamation cases, as established by the Supreme Court in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. This standard requires showing that the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for its truth.

In Cases of Defamation, Public Figures Have to Deal with Libelous