Story perspectives

11th Circuit Overturns $8.2 M Verdict Against Senate PAC

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed an $8.2 million judgment against Senate Majority PAC, finding the ad’s phrasing a negligent error, not actual malice.
A three-judge panel—appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton—ruled that Moore lacked clear proof of actual malice.
Moore’s lawyer Jeffrey Wittenbrink will seek review by full circuit or Supreme Court.
PAC attorney Ezra Reese said the decision vindicates the PAC.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Supreme Court ruling in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, a unanimous 9-0 decision establishing the actual-malice standard for public officials, still shields political groups from libel liability; the 11th Circuit recently applied that precedent to overturn a large defamation award against a Senate political-action committee, reaffirming the case’s lasting impact on campaign finance litigation.

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Story summary

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed an $8.2 million judgment against Senate Majority PAC, finding the ad’s phrasing a negligent error, not actual malice.
A three-judge panel—appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump, President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton—ruled that Moore lacked clear proof of actual malice.
Moore’s lawyer Jeffrey Wittenbrink will seek review by full circuit or Supreme Court.
PAC attorney Ezra Reese said the decision vindicates the PAC.

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