What must be proven for a libel case against a public official to succeed?

In a libel case involving public officials, it is necessary to demonstrate actual malice for the case to succeed. This standard stems from the landmark Supreme Court decision in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), which established that public officials must prove that a defamatory statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth.

Actual malice sets a higher bar for public figures than it does for private individuals, who typically only need to show negligence in similar cases. The rationale behind this requirement is rooted in the First Amendment's protection of free speech, particularly concerning public discourse about public officials and matters of public concern. Hence, proving actual malice ensures that robust discussions and criticisms of public figures are not unduly stifled by the threat of legal action.