§ 45a

California Civil Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · California

A libel which is defamatory of the plaintiff without the necessity of explanatory matter, such as an inducement, innuendo or other extrinsic fact, is said to be a libel on its face. Defamatory language not libelous on its face is not actionable unless the plaintiff alleges and proves that he has suffered special damage as a proximate result thereof. Special damage is defined in Section 48a of this code.

(Added by Stats. 1945, Ch. 1489.)

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California Civil Code

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