In actions for libel or slander, under the general issue, the defendant may prove, in mitigation of damages and to rebut evidence of actual malice, that the writing or words complained of were the repetition of common report, and that the conduct of the plaintiff was such as to create suspicion of the truth of the matters therein charged against him.
Source. 1862, 2602. GS 208:6. GL 227:6. PS 223:6. PL 335:6. RL 391:6.