##  [Actual Malice Standard](/actual-malice-standard) 

  ##  [Actual Malice Standard](https://information.quantumdictionary.io/actual-malice-standard-0) 

  

 [![Information & Communication Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Information%20%26%20Communication.png.webp?itok=g4emS-T7)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/information-communication)



**Information & Communication Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A legal evidentiary standard applied in defamation claims involving public‑figure plaintiffs that requires proof the defendant published a defamatory falsehood either (a) knowing it was false, or (b) with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity; the standard focuses on the defendant’s state of mind at the time of publication and raises the plaintiff’s burden of proof above negligence.