s 1443.1. Privileged communication defined--Exemption from libel

A. A privileged publication or communication is one made:

First. In any legislative or judicial proceeding or any other proceeding authorized by law;

Second. In the proper discharge of an official duty;

Third. By a fair and true report of any legislative or judicial or other proceeding authorized by law, or anything said in the course thereof, and any and all expressions of opinion in regard thereto, and criticisms thereon, and any and all criticisms upon the official acts of any and all public officers, except where the matter stated of and concerning the official act done, or of the officer, falsely imputes crime to the officer so criticized.

B. No publication which under this section would be privileged shall be punishable as libel.

Laws 1981, c. 21, s. 1, operative April 7, 1981; s. 1 directs codification. Title of Act: An Act relating to civil procedure; amending 12 O.S.1971, section 1446; defining privileged communication; limiting publications subject to punishment as libel; establishing requirements for pleadings, proof and defenses; authorizing judgment costs and fees; directing codification; providing operative date; and declaring an emergency.

Conditional privilege is no defense to an action for defamation of a public figure. 31 Okl.L.Rev. 1010 (1978).

Constitution and Private Figures in Oklahoma. Stanley J. McKay. 30 Okl.L.Rev. 686 (1977).

Constitutional Standards Challenge Oklahoma Law. 26 Okl.L.Rev. 94 (1973).

Editorial Process Found "Privileged" in Herbert v. Lando. 13 Tulsa L.J. 837 (1978).

Libel and Slander in Oklahoma -- Update. John W. Hager. 14 Tulsa L.J. 40 (1978).

Libel in Oklahoma. Jerry D. Sokolosky and Joe D. Dillsaver. 50 Okl.B.J. 2179 (1979).

Privilege to Criticize Public Officials. 12 Okl.L.Rev. 300 (1959).

Privileged Statements by or in Respect to Public Functionaries in Oklahoma. 7 Okl.L.Rev. 105 (1954).

Symposium on Oklahoma Evidence Law; Presumptions. 5 Okl.L.Rev. 291, 391 (1952).