The defendant to an action for a penalty may plead the general issue, and under it give any special matter in evidence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 288, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 357, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 410, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 631, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 12-21-8.