New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964) required public officials to show prove actual malice in libel cases, enhancing First Amendment protection of government critiques.| The Free Speech Center
Libel and slander lawsuits can have a chilling effect on free speech. The First Amendment rights of free speech and free press often clash with the interests served by libel laws.| The Free Speech Center
Actual malice is the legal standard the Supreme Court uses to protect the media in libel cases in determining when public officials or figures may win damages in lawsuits.| The Free Speech Center