Georgia § 51-5-3 - What constitutes publication of libel.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-5-3 — What constitutes publication of libel., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51-5-3. What constitutes publication of libel.
A libel is published as soon as it is communicated to any person other than the party libeled. (Orig. Code 1863, § 2918; Code 1868, § 2925; Code 1873, § 2976; Code 1882, § 2976; Civil Code 1895, § 3834; Civil Code 1910, § 4430; Code 1933, § 105-705.) Law reviews. - For comment on Walter v. Davidson, 214 Ga. 187 , 104 S.E.2d 113 (1958), holding that defamatory statements made by a member of faculty before a chaplain, another member of faculty, are privileged as a result of their relationship as colleagues, see 21 Ga. B. J. 239 (1958). For comment on Arvey Corp. v. Peterson, 178 F. Supp. 132 (E.D. Pa. 1959), finding dictation of material to stenographer sufficient publication to support an action for libel, see 11 Mercer L. Rev. 381 (1960). For comment on Rives v. Atlanta Newspaper, Inc., Case No. 40617, Ga. App., July 16, 1964, rehearing denied, July 30, 1964, see 1 Ga. St. B. J. 236 (1964). For comment, "Room for Error Online: Revising Georgia's Retraction Statute to Accommodate the Rise of Internet Media," see 28 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 923 (2012).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 51-5-3
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-5-3 cover?
Section 51-5-3 ("What constitutes publication of libel.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. 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 Georgia § 51-5-3?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-5-3" (Georgia). 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 Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 51-5-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia 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 Georgia.