(a) To determine the extent and source of actual damages and to mitigate exemplary damages, the defendant in a libel action may give evidence of the following matters if they have been specially pleaded:
(1) all material facts and circumstances surrounding the claim for damages and defenses to the claim;
(2) all facts and circumstances under which the libelous publication was made; and
(3) any public apology, correction, or retraction of the libelous matter made and published by the defendant.
(b) To mitigate exemplary damages, the defendant in a libel action may give evidence of the intention with which the libelous publication was made if the matter has been specially pleaded.

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Terms Used In Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code 73.003

  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.