In an action for libel or slander, it shall be sufficient to state, generally, that the defamatory matter was published or spoken of the plaintiff; and if the allegation be denied, the plaintiff must prove, on the trial, the facts, showing that the defamatory matter was published or spoken of him.
§ 303.Libel Or Slander - Alleging Publication Concerning Plaintiff
Chapter 8: Pleadings · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 303 lets a plaintiff suing for libel or slander plead generally that the defamatory statement concerned the plaintiff, shifting the burden to prove that fact at trial only if the defendant denies it.
Full Text of § 303
Amendment History
R.L. 1910, § 4776.
Plain-English Summary
Defamation pleading gets a shortcut under Section 303. Instead of pleading every fact connecting the defendant's words to the plaintiff, the plaintiff can state generally that the defamatory matter was published or spoken of the plaintiff. That general allegation only becomes a live issue if the defendant denies it — and if denied, the plaintiff must then prove at trial the facts showing the statement was about the plaintiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How specific does a plaintiff need to be in pleading that a defamatory statement was about them?
Section 303 lets the plaintiff allege generally that the matter was published or spoken of the plaintiff, without pleading the underlying facts.
What happens if the defendant denies that the statement was about the plaintiff?
Then the plaintiff must prove at trial the facts showing the defamatory matter was published or spoken of the plaintiff.
Does this section apply to both libel and slander?
Yes, the statute covers an action for libel or slander without distinguishing between them.
How does Section 303 relate to Section 304?
Section 304 opens by referring back to the libel and slander actions this section addresses, and lets the defendant plead truth or mitigating circumstances in response.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: oklahoma defamation pleading rulepleading libel slander general allegation oklahomahow to plead defamation in oklahoma