Utah § 45-2-11 - Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 45-2-11 — Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-2-11. Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship.
45-2-11. Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship.
| (1) | Except as provided in Subsection (2), the following persons may not be prosecuted for a fair and true report or broadcast of a judicial, legislative, or other public official proceeding, or of a statement, speech, argument, or debate related to the judicial, legislative, or other public official proceeding:
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| (2) | Notwithstanding Subsection (1), a person listed in Subsection (1)(a), (b), or (c) may be prosecuted for making a report described in Subsection (1) if there is proof the person acted with malice in making the report, which may not be implied from the mere fact of publication. |
| (3) | An owner, licensee, or operator of a visual or sound radio broadcasting station or network of stations, or an agent or employee of a sound radio broadcasting station or network of stations, may not be prosecuted for a defamatory matter or statement published or uttered in a radio or television broadcast if the publication cannot be censored by reason of the provisions of a federal statute or a regulation issued by the Federal Communications Commission. |
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 173, 2025 General Session
Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 45-2-11
What does Utah Code § 45-2-11 cover?
Section 45-2-11 ("Fair reporting privilege of newspaper or broadcasting station personnel as to public official proceedings -- Privilege as to defamatory matter not subject to censorship.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 45-2-11?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 45-2-11" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 45-2-11 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah 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 Utah.