3146a

In civil actions for damages for libel or slander, the defendant may, in his answer, allege the truth of the charges as defamatory, as well as any mitigating circumstances, to reduce the amount of damages; and whether he proves the truth of the fact or not, he may introduce evidence of mitigating circumstances. History —Feb. 19, 1902, p. 214, added as 6A on May 12, 1980, No. 41, p. 103, § 1.