Civil Code - CIV
DIVISION 1. PERSONS [38 - 86]
( Heading of Division 1 amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 160, Sec. 12. ) PART 2. PERSONAL RIGHTS [43 - 53.7]
( Part 2 enacted 1872. ) 45a.
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.)