What defines absolute privilege in the context of libel law?

Absolute privilege in the context of libel law refers to an immunity granted to individuals when they make statements in certain protected contexts, specifically during legislative or judicial proceedings. This means that when someone speaks in these official capacities, they cannot be held liable for defamation, even if their statements are false or made with malice. The rationale behind this privilege is to encourage open and honest communication within the legislative and judicial processes, promoting transparency and allowing individuals to speak freely without fear of legal repercussions.

In this context, the other options do not accurately describe absolute privilege. A limited timeframe for filing lawsuits pertains to statutes of limitations, which dictate how long a plaintiff has to initiate legal action but is unrelated to the concept of privilege. The requirement for all statements to be true speaks to the general standards of truth in defamation cases, which is contrary to the nature of absolute privilege as it allows for untruthful statements without penalty in certain situations. Finally, a defense based on public necessity relates more to the balancing of interests in certain circumstances, rather than the specific legal immunity offered by absolute privilege in legislative and judicial contexts.