§ 9-6-9. Truth as defense to libel or slander.
In every action or proceeding, civil or criminal, for libel or slander, the defendant may, with his or her plea of not guilty or his answer, file a written notice that he or she will prove the truth of the publication charged as libelous, or of the words charged as slanderous, and in such case may, upon the trial, give the truth in evidence, without any special plea of justification or affirmative defense in his or her answer; and the truth, unless published or uttered from malicious motives, shall be sufficient defense to the person charged.
History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 286; G.L. 1909, ch. 288, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 338, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 520, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 9-6-9; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 16.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally
Section 9-6-1, 9-6-2. - Repealed.
Section 9-6-3. - Formal defects to be disregarded.
Section 9-6-4 - — 9-6-8. Repealed.
Section 9-6-9. - Truth as defense to libel or slander.
Section 9-6-11. - Substantial performance as defense to action on bond.
Section 9-6-12, 9-6-13. - Repealed.
Section 9-6-14. - Tender unimpaired by demand for receipt.
Section 9-6-15. - Pleading of equitable defense in district courts.