---
title: O.C.G.A. § 51-5-1. Libel defined; publication prerequisite to recovery.
collection: code
id: 51-5-1
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 51-5-1 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/51-5-1
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/51-5-1.md
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source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t51-(v39)-2017-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=6b891965_0#page=519
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
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publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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heading_path: TORTS / LIBEL AND SLANDER
---

# O.C.G.A. § 51-5-1. Libel defined; publication prerequisite to recovery.

(a) A libel is a false and malicious defamation of another, expressed in print, writing, pictures, or signs, tending to injure the reputation of the person and exposing him to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule.

(b) The publication of the libelous matter is essential to recovery.

## History

Orig. Code 1863, § 2916; Code 1868, § 2923; Code 1873, § 2974; Code 1882, § 2974; Civil Code 1895, § 3832; Civil Code 1910, § 4428; Code 1933, § 105-701.

## Law Reviews

For article advocating recognition of an action for testamentary libel, see 27 Mercer L. Rev. 1147 (1976). For article, ‘‘Defamation in Georgia Local Government Law: A Brief History,’’ see 16 Ga. L. Rev. 627 (1982). For annual survey of law of torts, see 38 Mercer L. Rev. 351 (1986). For article, ‘‘Defamation and Invasion of Privacy,’’ see 27 Ga. St. B. J. 18 (1990).

For comment on Braden v. Baugham, 74 Ga. App. 802, 41 S.E.2d 581 (1947), see 9 Ga. B. J. 456 (1947). For comment criticizing Gouldman-Taber Pontiac, Inc. v. Zerbst, 213 Ga. 682, 100 S.E.2d 881 (1957) wherein plaintiff was held to have only a qualified right of privacy when defendant disclosed plaintiff’s debts to third-party employer, see 9 Mercer L. Rev. 227 (1957). For comment on Gouldman-Taber Pontiac, Inc. v. Zerbst, 96 Ga. App. 48, 99 S.E.2d 475 (1957), holding that defendant’s act of writing petitioner’s employer to assist in collecting an alleged debt which was disputed by petitioner was an invasion of her right to privacy, see 20 Ga. B. J. 256 (1957). 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 American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, Inc. v. Simpson, 106 Ga. App. 230, 126 S.E.2d 873 (1962), see 25 Ga. B. J. 310 (1963). For comment on Rives v. Atlanta Newspapers, Inc., 110 Ga. App. 184, 138 S.E.2d 100 (1964), see 1 Ga. St. B. J. 236. For comment on Hinkle v. Alexander, 244 Ore. 267, 417 P.2d 586 (1966), suggesting adoption by Georgia of a uniform rule on proof of damages in libel actions, see 18 Mercer L. Rev. 297 (1966). For comment criticizing Cabaniss v. Hipsley, 114 Ga. App. 367, 151 S.E.2d 496 (1966), see 18 Mercer L. Rev. 519 (1967). 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).