What best describes “deliberate indifference to the truth” in defamation law?

The concept of "deliberate indifference to the truth" in defamation law is best characterized by publishing harmful statements without adequate verification. This means that the publisher does not take the necessary precautions to ensure that the information shared is accurate, knowing that potentially false statements could harm someone's reputation.

In defamation cases, for a plaintiff to succeed, especially if they are a public figure, they must often prove that the publisher acted with actual malice. This includes knowledge that the information was false or a reckless disregard for whether it was true or false. Therefore, by not adequately verifying claims before publication, the publisher demonstrates a lack of concern for the truth, which qualifies as "deliberate indifference." It emphasizes the responsibility of individuals and media entities to fact-check their information before disseminating it, particularly when it may negatively impact someone's standing in the community.