Actual malice is meant to allow the press to aggressively cover public figures and public officials.

But the number of false claims made about people in the public eye today is concerning to some.

The barrier of actual malice is seen as an obstacle that can stand in the way of politicians who have been legitimately libeled and their reputations harmed and any path to recourse.

Does the requirement of actual malice still serve a vital purpose?

Or is it causing more harm than good?

Why or why not?