Does a plaintiff need to prove actual knowledge or reckless disregard in a libel case?

In California, a plaintiff who is trying to prove libel must demonstrate that the defendant had actual knowledge of or acted with reckless disregard for the truth when they made their defamatory statement. This is known as the knowledge or “actual malice” standard. Actual knowledge means that the defendant knew that the statement was false when it was made. Reckless disregard means that the defendant did not bother to check whether the statement was true or false. In other words, they showed a reckless disregard for the truth. In a libel case, the burden of proof is on the plaintiff to show that the defendant knew or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. If the plaintiff cannot prove this, then they cannot win their case. Therefore, it is crucial for a plaintiff to have evidence that the defendant had actual knowledge or acted with reckless disregard for the truth when making the statement. Without this proof, a plaintiff cannot win their case.

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Does a plaintiff need to prove actual knowledge or reckless disregard in a libel case?

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