California Codes
Cal. Civil Code § 44 (2026)
✓ current as of May 2026
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Defamation is effected by either of the following:
(a)Libel.
(b)Slander.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 122
cases (49 in the last 5 years), 1966–2026 · leading case: Balboa Island Vill. Inn, Inc. v. Lemen, 156 P.3d 339 (Cal. 2007).
Balboa Island Vill. Inn, Inc. v. Lemen, 156 P.3d 339 (Cal. 2007). “To speak truthfully in violation of the injunction, Lemen must be willing to be cited for contempt, hauled into court, and face possible incarceration and fines. How many will be bold enough to run those risks? Realistically, the majority's decision does require persons like…”
Crowe v. Cnty. of San Diego, 608 F.3d 406 (9th Cir. 2010). “State Law Defamation California Civil Code § 44 defines “defamation” as either libel or slander.”
Shively v. Bozanich, 80 P.3d 676 (Cal. 2003). “(Civ. Code, § 44.) In general, leaving aside certain qualifications that are not relevant in this case, a written communication that is false, that is not protected by any privilege, and that exposes a person to contempt or ridicule or certain other reputational injuries,…”
Mann v. Quality Old Time Serv., Inc., 15 Cal. Rptr. 3d 215 (Cal. Ct. App. 2004). “Defamation Slander is a form of defamation (Civ.Code, § 44), consisting of a false *224 and unprivileged oral publication (Civ.”
Hawran v. Hixson, 209 Cal. App. 4th 256 (Cal. Ct. App. 2012). “Of course, this conclusion does not by itself permit Hawran’s claims to proceed; he must still demonstrate a probability of prevailing on the merits of his defamation, invasion of privacy and UCL-related claims against the individuals and Sequenom. B. Defamation/False Light…”
Issa v. Applegate, 242 Cal. Rptr. 3d 809 (Cal. Ct. App. 5th 2019). “The Article also describes the fact that Issa's personal wealth increased during his time serving in Congress.”
Overstock.com, Inc. v. Gradient Analytics, Inc., 61 Cal. Rptr. 3d 29 (Cal. Ct. App. 2007). “” (Civ. Code, §§ 44, subd. (a), 45.) A statement that is defamatory without the need for explanatory matter such as an inducement, innuendo or other extrinsic fact, constitutes “a libel on its face.”
Hecimovich v. Encinal Sch. Parent Teacher Org., 203 Cal. App. 4th 450 (Cal. Ct. App. 2012). “” Civil Code section 44 provides that defamation can be of two types, libel or slander.”
Doe 2 v. Superior Court (Avongard Prods.), 1 Cal. App. 5th 1300 (Cal. Ct. App. 2016). “1349 ; Civ. Code, § 44.) “The elements of a defamation claim are (1) a publication that is (2) false, (3) defamatory, (4) unprivileged, and (5) has a natural tendency to injure or causes special damage.”
Adams v. Adams (In re Adams), 478 B.R. 476 (Bankr. N.D. Ga. 2012). “” See Cal. Civ. Code § 44 (West 2012). Second, unlike claims for intentional interference with contractual relations or economic advantage, defamation does not require economic or business harm.”
Burrill v. Nair CA3, 217 Cal. App. 4th 357 (Cal. Ct. App. 2013). “(Civ. Code, § 44.) Defamatory publications that are made “by writing, printing, picture, effigy, or other fixed representation to the eye,” are considered libel.”
City of Costa Mesa v. D'Alessio Investments, 214 Cal. App. 4th 358 (Cal. Ct. App. 2013). “) “Slander is a form of defamation (Civ. Code, § 44), consisting of a false and unprivileged oral publication (Civ.”
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