What is the defense of privilege in a defamation action?

The defense of privilege was limited to defamation actions ⁴ until Albertson v. Raboff (1956) 46 Cal.2d 375, 295 P.2d 405. There section 47, subdivision 2, was applied to defeat an action for disparagement of title arising out of a notice of lis pendens. The court analyzed the action as founded upon the republication of alleged falsehoods contained in pleadings already on file. It said: "The publication of the pleadings is unquestionably clothed with absolute privilege, and we have concluded that the republication

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