Skip to content

DIVISION 1. PERSONS 38-86›PART 2. PERSONAL RIGHTS 43-53.7

§ 45a

California Civil Code · 2018-11 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.)

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — California Civil Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.