California § 47.5. 47.5. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1588, Sec. 1.)

California Statutes

§ 47.5. — 47.5. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1588, Sec. 1.)

California § 47.5.

Code CIVCivil Code - CIV

Div. 1.DIVISION 1. PERSONS

Part 2.PART 2. PERSONAL RIGHTS

This text of California § 47.5. (47.5. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1588, Sec. 1.)) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering California primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

Cal. Civil Code - CIV Code § 47.5. (2026).

Text

Notwithstanding Section 47, a peace officer may bring an action for defamation against an individual who has filed a complaint with that officer’s employing agency alleging misconduct, criminal conduct, or incompetence, if that complaint is false, the complaint was made with knowledge that it was false and that it was made with spite, hatred, or ill will. Knowledge that the complaint was false may be proved by a showing that the complainant had no reasonable grounds to believe the statement was true and that the complainant exhibited a reckless disregard for ascertaining the truth.

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Notwithstanding Section 47, a peace officer may bring an action for defamation against an individual who has filed a complaint with that officer’s employing agency alleging misconduct, criminal conduct, or incompetence, if that complaint is false, the complaint was made with knowledge that it was false and that it was made with spite, hatred, or ill will. Knowledge that the complaint was false may be proved by a showing that the complainant had no reasonable grounds to believe the statement was true and that the complainant exhibited a reckless disregard for ascertaining the truth.