Sarah Palin Wins Bid for Retrial Against New York Times in Defamation Case

Sarah Palin has obtained a new trial in her defamation case against the New York Times over a 2017 editorial that linked her to a mass shooting. The appeals court cited errors in the original trial, including the exclusion of critical evidence and improper jury instructions. The case highlights debates around the 1964 Sullivan decision, which sets high standards for public figures proving defamation.

Sarah Palin secured a victory on Wednesday in her legal battle against the New York Times, winning a bid for a new trial over a 2017 editorial she claims defamed her. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Palin could try again to prove the Times' liability for the editorial linking her to a 2011 mass shooting that resulted in six deaths and seriously wounded congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

The appeals court criticized U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff for errors during the February 2022 trial, including the exclusion of evidence Palin argued showed the Times' 'actual malice,' and improper jury instructions. The error-prone trial raises the possibility of reconsidering the landmark 1964 Supreme Court decision New York Times v. Sullivan, which sets a high bar for public figures alleging defamation.

One of the most significant issues highlighted by the court was the jury being exposed to news alerts on their cellphones about Judge Rakoff's planned dismissal of the case due to insufficient evidence of malice. The case now returns to court, offering Palin another opportunity to challenge the formidable newspaper. A Times spokesman expressed confidence in prevailing at the retrial.

(With inputs from agencies.)