§ 9-6-9 - Truth as defense to libel or slander.
SECTION 9-6-9
§ 9-6-9 Truth as defense to libel orslander. – In every action or proceeding, civil or criminal, for libel or slander, thedefendant may, with his or her plea of not guilty or his answer, file a writtennotice that he or she will prove the truth of the publication charged aslibelous, or of the words charged as slanderous, and in such case may, upon thetrial, give the truth in evidence, without any special plea of justification oraffirmative defense in his or her answer; and the truth, unless published oruttered from malicious motives, shall be sufficient defense to the personcharged.