A judge has dismissed Sarah Palin’s lawsuit against the New York Times
The court held the former Alaska Governor’s team failed to prove a key element in the defamation hearing.
The jury is actually still deliberating on the verdict, with the judge saying he will wait for the decision to be made and then dismiss the case in its entirety, regardless of the outcome.
This ruling by the court is a major win for the New York Times, with the judge noting Palin has not proven “actual malice”.
Palin sued the Times and its former editorial page editor, James Bennet, over an editorial incorrectly linking her to the January 2011 mass shooting published on 14th June, 2017.
The landmark defamation case in the state holds public figures who sue for defamation must prove that the offender knew the claim was false or showed “reckless disregard”.
The Times consistently argued it made an honest error, issuing a timely correction.
Palin stands by her claims the publication made the claim with the intention of smearing her reputation.
Savannah Pocock contributed to this report.
