Gertz v. Welch is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1974 that established important standards for defamation law, particularly regarding the distinction between public figures and private individuals in libel cases. This case highlighted that private individuals only need to prove negligence, while public figures must demonstrate actual malice in order to win a defamation lawsuit. The ruling reshaped the landscape of defamation law, influencing how journalists report on individuals and the legal protections afforded to them.
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