What Is The Actual Malice Requirement In A Defamation Action?

What Is The Actual Malice Requirement In A Defamation Action? Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), the Supreme Court held that for a publicly-known figure to succeed on a defamation claims, the public-figure plaintiff must show that the false, defaming statements was said with “actual malice.” The Sullivan court stated that”actual malice” means that the defendant