actual malice

Definition of "actual malice"
  1. It is a form of intent characterized by the conscious decision to cause harm to another party without justification
How to use "actual malice" in a sentence
  1. The journalist could not be sued for defamation as they did not act with actual malice when publishing the story.
  2. The defendant was charged with violent assault carried out with actual malice.
  3. A successful defamation claim must prove that the defendant made the false statement with actual malice.

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