Final answer:
In libel law, the material must demonstrate defamation of the plaintiff. Specifically for public figures, defamation requires proof of 'actual malice'. For private individuals, states can set their own standards of liability as long as it requires some degree of fault.
Step-by-step explanation:
In libel law, the libelous material must show the defamation of the plaintiff. To establish a case for libel, especially against public figures or officials, claimants must not only prove that the statements made about them are false but also that they were published with actual malice.
According to seminal court cases such as New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, actual malice involves publishing a statement with knowledge that it is false or with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity. This is a high bar to overcome, aimed at protecting freedom of expression and preventing public figures from using defamation lawsuits to silence criticism. Active standards do vary when it comes to private individuals, as determined in Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc., where states can formulate their own standards of liability, provided it's not imposed without fault.