"Actual malice" is a confusing term for a layperson because it doesn't mean what it sounds like. It doesn't mean "not liking" the plaintiff. Instead, it is the

"Actual malice" is a confusing term for a layperson because it doesn't mean what it sounds like. It doesn't mean "not liking" the plaintiff. Instead, it is the defendant's knowledge or reckless disregard of the statement's falsity.