A plea of the general issue in the actions of trespass and case and in criminal prosecutions. The form of the verdict in criminal cases, where the jury acquit the prisoner. pleading. The general issue in several sorts of actions. It is the general issue. 2. In trespass, its form is as follows: And the said C D, by E F, his attorney, comes and defends the, force and injury, … [Read more...]

A plea in a real action, by which the defendant asserts, either as to the whole or as to some part of the land mentioned in the plaintiffs declaration, that he does not hold it Pub. St. Mass. 1882, p. 1293. … [Read more...]

In English practice. A plea of the general issue by a defendant in a civil action, when he intends to give special matter in evidence by virtue of some act or acts of parliament, in which case he must add the reference to such act or acts, and state whether such acts are public or otherwise. But, if a defendant so plead, he will not be allowed to plead any other defense, … [Read more...]

The vacation between two terms of a court … [Read more...]

After trial, a verdict that is returned which declares the defendant not guilty of the offense alleged. … [Read more...]