Overview

• The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Steve Wynn's appeal to overturn the 'actual malice' standard, a key precedent in defamation law established in 1964.
• Wynn's defamation lawsuit against the Associated Press was dismissed by Nevada's top court, which ruled he failed to prove the AP acted with 'actual malice.'
• The 'actual malice' standard requires public figures to show false statements were made knowingly or with reckless disregard for the truth.
• Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch have previously expressed interest in revisiting the standard, citing concerns about the modern media landscape.
• The decision underscores the judiciary's reluctance to alter longstanding First Amendment protections, despite criticism from figures like Donald Trump who argue the rule is outdated.