Alabama § 13A-11-161 - Publication of Certain Documents Considered Privileged.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 13A-11-161 — Publication of Certain Documents Considered Privileged., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13A-11-161. Publication of Certain Documents Considered Privileged.

The publication of a fair and impartial report of the return of any indictment, the issuance of any warrant, the arrest of any person for any cause or the filing of any affidavit, pleading or other document in any criminal or civil proceeding in any court, or of a fair and impartial report of the contents thereof, or of any charge of crime made to any judicial officer or body, or of any report of any grand jury, or of any investigation made by any legislative committee, or other public body or officer, shall be privileged, unless it be proved that the same was published with actual malice, or that the defendant has refused or neglected to publish in the same manner in which the publication complained of appeared, a reasonable explanation or contradiction thereof by the plaintiff, or that the publisher has refused upon the written request of the plaintiff to publish the subsequent determination of such suit, action or investigation.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 13A-11-161

What does Code of Alabama § 13A-11-161 cover?

Section 13A-11-161 ("Publication of Certain Documents Considered Privileged.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 13A-11-161?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 13A-11-161" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 13A-11-161 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.