§ 45a
69 words·~1 min read·
/ca/civil-code/45a·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
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.