"Actual malice" refers to a legal term used to describe when someone intentionally spreads false information with the knowledge that it is false or with reckless disregard for the truth. Full definition
«These allegations are false, defamatory, and he puts those who would publish or repeat them on notice that they [are] acting with actual malice by reporting or repeating them. (businessinsider.com)
While Canadian judges, like their Commonwealth siblings, are unwilling to adopt a New York Times v. Sullivan6 - type approach to defamation law (which would require public figure plaintiffs to prove actual malice in order to be successful at trial), doctrinal and technological developments point in favour of an adapted cause of action for public figure plaintiffs under Canadian law. (slaw.ca)
I have represented judges and other public officials in libel cases and they are held to a high bar of having to prove actual malice by clear and convincing evidence and they should be. (legaltalknetwork.com)