The four-prong test:
1. Statements were false.
2. Statements caused harm.
3. Statements were made “with a reckless disregard for the truth”
annnnnnd if you’re a public figure, (Sarah Palin is a public figure)
4. Statements were made “with actual malice”
There was a good Paul Newman movie years ago about a libel or slander case...don’t remember the name.