§ 461
49 words·~1 min read·
/ca/code-of-civil-procedure/461·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In any action within Section 460 or 460.5, the defendant may, in his answer, allege both the truth of the matter charged as defamatory, and any mitigating circumstances, to reduce the amount of damages. Whether he proves the justification or not, he may give in evidence the mitigating circumstances.