2006 New York Code - Freedom of speech and press; criminal prosecutions for libel.

 
    §  8.  Every  citizen  may  freely speak, write and publish his or her
  sentiments on all subjects, being responsible  for  the  abuse  of  that
  right;  and no law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of
  speech or of the press. In all criminal prosecutions or indictments  for
  libels,  the truth may be given in evidence to the jury; and if it shall
  appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true, and  was
  published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be
  acquitted;  and  the  jury shall have the right to determine the law and
  the fact.