Law for Truth, a project of Protect Democracy, works to stop those who intentionally or recklessly spread false information that undermines our democracy. Through strategic litigation and public education, we protect that democracy — along with individuals and entities victimized by disinformation — against those who intentionally or recklessly defame for financial, partisan, or other reasons. Lies have consequences for our democracy, but must also have consequences for those who manufacture and spread them.
Some pose as journalists while defaming individuals to distort public debate and score political points. Public debate is being short-circuited by individuals and entities that repeatedly spread lies. Before anyone can correct their lies, they move on to the next victim. The First Amendment does not protect intentional or reckless serial liars, who are undermining our democracy itself.
Striking the appropriate balance between protecting critical speech and safeguarding reputations against knowing and reckless lies, the “actual malice” standard in defamation litigation serves as a global model for open, democratic societies committed to the free exchange of ideas. Read more about the history and role of the “actual malice” standard in our democracy in our white paper and our guest essay in The New York Times.