Torts - Defamation

Question 1

Torts

        Defamation - candidate for Public Office

Answer 1

In a defamation action brought by a candidate for public office, the plaintiff must establish more than mere negligence with regard to the truth or falsity of the allegedly defamatory statement of fact. The plaintiff must establish that the defendant acted with actual malice, that is, that the defendant in fact knew the statement to be false or entertained serious doubts as to the truth of the statement.