N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15-168: Justification as defense to libel.

Every defendant who is charged by indictment with the publication of a libel may prove on the trial for the same the truth of the facts alleged in the indictment; and if it shall appear to the satisfaction of the jury that the facts are true, the defendant shall be acquitted of the charge. (R.C., c. 35, s. 26; Code, s. 1195; Rev., s. 3267; C.S., s. 4638.)