What landmark 1971 case established the 'actual malice' standard for defamation of public figures, requiring proof of knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth?

• A New York Times Co. v. Sullivan ✓
• B Near v. Minnesota
• C Gertz v. Robert Welch
• D Hustler Magazine v. Falwell

New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, decided in 1964, held that public officials must prove actual malice to win a libel suit, a cornerstone of press freedom.