For private-person plaintiffs it is constitutionally permissible to win a libel lawsuit by showing no greater degree of fault than mere negligence.

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This is based on the US Supreme Court case of Gertz v. Robert Welch, Inc. where the court held that private-person plaintiffs do not need to prove actual malice (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth) to win a libel lawsuit, but can prevail by showing negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care in determining the truth).

For Private-Person Plaintiffs It Is Constitutionally Permissible to Win a Libel