Section 6-5-183
Libel or slander - Mitigation of damages - Evidence of truth or circumstances.
In all actions of slander or libel, the truth of the words spoken or written or the circumstances under which they were spoken or written may be given in evidence under a general denial in mitigation of the damages.
(Code 1852, §2226; Code 1867, §2628; Code 1876, §2977; Code 1886, §2725; Code 1896, §1438; Code 1907, §3746; Code 1923, §7356; Code 1940, T. 7, §909.)