The Vermont Statutes Online
The Vermont Statutes Online have been updated to include the actions of the 2023 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
Title 13 : Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Chapter 201 : Pleadings and Proof; Trial
Subchapter 002 : Pleadings and Proof
(Cite as: 13 V.S.A. § 6560)-
§ 6560. Truth as defense in prosecution for libel or defamation
If a person is prosecuted by information or indictment for uttering and publishing a libel or for defaming the civil authority of the State, under a plea of not guilty, he or she may give evidence as to the truth of the words contained in such supposed libel, as set forth in the information or indictment. If he or she proves their truth to the satisfaction of the jury, it shall find the respondent not guilty in its verdict.
