Ind. Code » Title 34
Indiana Code

Ind. Code § 34-15-1-2 (2026)

Truth; mitigating circumstances; evidence

✓ current as of May 2026
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     Sec. 2. In an action for libel or slander, the defendant may allege:

(1) the truth of the matter charged as defamatory; and

(2) mitigating circumstances to reduce the damages;

and give either or both in evidence.

[Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-1-5-2.]

As added by P.L.1-1998, SEC.10.

 

IC 34-15-2Chapter 2. Standard of Proof in Actions for Libel or Slander

 

           34-15-2-1Abrogation of reasonable doubt standard

 

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 7 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2001–2024 · leading case: Ratcliff v. Barnes, 750 N.E.2d 433 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001).
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Ratcliff v. Barnes, 750 N.E.2d 433 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001). · cites it 2× “Dabagia, 721 N.E.2d 294, 301 (Ind.Ct.App.1999), trams.”
Cmty. Found. of Nw. Indiana, Inc., St. Mary Med. Ctr., Inc., & Rebecca Iwanus v. Elizabeth A. Miranda, 120 N.E.3d 1090 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 2× “See Indiana Code Section 34-15-1-2 ("In an action for libel or slander, the defendant may allege: [ ] the truth of the matter charged as defamatory"); see also Melton v.”
Hood's Gardens, Inc. v. Jason Young, Craig Meade d/b/a Disc. Tree Excavation a/k/a D & E Tree Extraction, 976 N.E.2d 80 (Ind. Ct. App. 2012). · cites it 2× “Pursuant to Ind.Code § 34-15-1-2, [HG] is a person interested in having determined a question of construction or validity under the statute, and to obtain a declaration of rights, status or other legal relationships under the statute.”
Mimms v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., 889 F.3d 865 (7th Cir. 2018). “See Ind. Code § 34-15-1-2 (authorizing the introduction of evidence of mitigating circumstances to minimize damages in a defamation suit).”
Charles v. Vest, 90 N.E.3d 667 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017). · cites it 2× “See I.C. § 34-15-1-2 (providing a defendant in a libel or slander action may allege truth of the allegedly defamatory statement as a defense); see also, e.”
Zerlie Charles v. Vickie Vest (mem. dec.) (Ind. Ct. App. 2017). · cites it 2× “See I.C. § 34-15-1-2 (providing a defendant in a libel or slander action may allege truth of the allegedly defamatory statement as a defense); see also, e.”
Rory Kerwood v. Elkhart Cnty. Sheriff's Dep't (Ind. Ct. App. 2024). · cites it 2× “”) (citations omitted); Ind. Code § 34-15-1-2 (“In an action for libel or slander, the defendant may allege .”
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