Section 51-5-5. Inference of malice; rebuttal thereof; effect of rebuttal  


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  •    In all actions for printed or spoken defamation, malice is inferred from the character of the charge. However, the existence of malice may be rebutted by proof. In all cases, such proof shall be considered in mitigation of damages. In cases of privileged communications, such proof shall bar a recovery.
Orig. Code 1863, § 2917; Code 1868, § 2924; Code 1873, § 2975; Code 1882, § 2975; Civil Code 1895, § 3833; Civil Code 1910, § 4429; Code 1933, § 105-706.