2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 9.58.020: How justified or excused — Malice, when presumed.

Every publication having the tendency or effect mentioned in RCW 9.58.010 shall be deemed malicious unless justified or excused. Such publication is justified whenever the matter charged as libelous charges the commission of a crime, is a true and fair statement, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends. It is excused when honestly made in belief of its truth and fairness and upon reasonable grounds for such belief, and consists of fair comments upon the conduct of any person in respect of public affairs, made after a fair and impartial investigation.

[1909 c 249 § 173; Code 1881 § 1233; 1879 p 144 § 4; 1869 p 384 § 3; RRS § 2425.]