Question

In 1964, the supreme court ruled that before a public official can recover damages for slander, he or she must prove that

Answer 1

In 1964, the supreme court ruled that before a public official can recover damages for slander, he or she must prove that the slanderous statement was made with actual malice.
In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, the Supreme Court ruled that the plaintiff must establish actual malice before claiming damages.

Answer 2

He or she must prove that the slanderous statement was made with actual malice.

The supreme court case is called New York Times Co. v. Sullivan. in the ruling it was held that actual malice must established in defining slanderous statement for compensation purposes.