Does a plaintiff have to prove intent in a slander case?

When it comes to slander (defamation in spoken form) the State of West Virginia requires a plaintiff to prove “actual malice” in order to win a lawsuit. Actual malice is an awareness that the statement was false when it was made or a reckless disregard for the truth of the statement. It is a higher standard than negligence. This means that in order for a slander plaintiff to win in West Virginia, they must prove not only that the statement was false, but also that the defendant knew it was false when they said it or had recklessly disregarded the truth. A plaintiff does not have to prove intent in a slander case, but rather must prove “actual malice.” It is important to note that not all states have the same standards when it comes to defamation law. In many other states, the plaintiff only needs to prove negligence – meaning that the defendant was not careful enough or did not make sure that the statement was true before making it. In West Virginia, however, proving negligence is not enough. The plaintiff must show that the defendant knew the statement was false, or they acted in a reckless disregard for the truth. Without such proof, the plaintiff cannot win a slander case in West Virginia.

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Does a plaintiff have to prove intent in a slander case?

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