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Defendants under this act may plead general issue, give this net in evidence, &c.
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XIII. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any information, suit, or action shall be brought or exhibited against any person or persons for any offence committed, or to be committed against the form of this law, it shall be lawful for such defendants to plead the general issue, that they are not guilty, or that they owe nothing, and to give such special matter in evidence to the jury that shall try the same, which matter being pleaded had been good and sufficient matter in law, to have discharged the said defendant or defendants against the said information, suit, or action, and the said matter shall be then as available to him or them to all intents and purposes as if he or they had sufficiently pleaded, set forth, or alledged the said matter in bar, or discharge of such information, suit, or action.
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