Any person who shall falsely utter and speak, or falsely write and publish, of and concerning any person of chaste character, any words derogatory of such person's character for virtue and chastity, or imputing to such person acts not virtuous and chaste, or who shall falsely utter and speak, or falsely write and publish, of and concerning another person, any words which from their usual construction and common acceptation are construed as insults and tend to violence and breach of the peace or who shall use grossly insulting language to any person of good character or reputation is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
The defendant shall be entitled to prove upon trial in mitigation of the punishment, the provocation which induced the libelous or slanderous words, or any other fact or circumstance tending to disprove malice, or lessen the criminality of the offense.
Code 1950, § 18.1-256; 1960, c. 358; 1973, c. 526; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 900.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 18.2 - Crimes and Offenses Generally
Chapter 9 - Crimes Against Peace and Order
§ 18.2-404. Obstructing free passage of others
§ 18.2-405. What constitutes a riot; punishment
§ 18.2-406. What constitutes an unlawful assembly; punishment
§ 18.2-407. Remaining at place of riot or unlawful assembly after warning to disperse
§ 18.2-408. Conspiracy; incitement, etc., to riot
§ 18.2-409. Resisting or obstructing execution of legal process
§ 18.2-411. Dispersal of unlawful or riotous assemblies; duties of officers
§ 18.2-412. Immunity of officers and others in quelling a riot or unlawful assembly
§ 18.2-414. Injury to property or persons by persons unlawfully or riotously assembled
§ 18.2-414.2. Crossing established police lines, perimeters or barricades
§ 18.2-415. Disorderly conduct in public places
§ 18.2-416. Punishment for using abusive language to another
§ 18.2-418. Declaration of policy
§ 18.2-419. Picketing or disrupting tranquility of home
§ 18.2-420. "Clandestine organization" defined
§ 18.2-421. Information to be filed by clandestine organization with State Corporation Commission
§ 18.2-422. Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions
§ 18.2-426. "Emergency call" and "emergency personnel" defined
§ 18.2-428. Giving certain false information to another by telephone
§ 18.2-429. Causing telephone or pager to ring with intent to annoy
§ 18.2-429.1. False caller identification information; penalty
§ 18.2-430. Venue for offenses under this article
§ 18.2-431. Duty of telephone companies; notices in directories