What level of fault must a public figure prove in a defamation lawsuit?

In a defamation lawsuit involving a public figure, the claimant must prove "actual malice." This means that the public figure must demonstrate that the defendant made the defamatory statement with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity. This higher standard exists because public figures, due to their prominence, have greater access to channels of communication to counteract false statements, and the law seeks to balance the rights of individuals to free speech against the need to protect individuals from false and damaging assertions.

Understanding the requirement of actual malice is crucial because it acknowledges the role of public figures in society and the importance of allowing robust debate and discussion about them, even if that includes statements that may be false or damaging, provided there is no reckless disregard for the truth involved. This high threshold for proving defamation reflects the constitutional protections set forth by the First Amendment regarding freedom of speech and press.