Escape of Debtors, etc. Act 1696

XVII. This Act to be a general Law.

In Action for executing the same, General Issue may be pleaded; Double Costs.

And for the prevention of Disputes touching this Act be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the same and every Clause and Thing therein contained shall be deemed adjudged and taken to be a general Law and that it shall not be needful to shew or sett forth the same or any Clause thereof in pleading and that the same and all Clauses therein shall be construed most largely and beneficially for the p[re]venting of all the Mischiefs Abuses Escapes & other Inconveniences herein provided against And further that if any Person or Persons shall att any time be sued for putting in Execution any Power or Authority given by this Act such p[er]son and Persons shall and may plead the general Issue and give in evidence this Act and the special Matter and if the Plaintiff or Plaintiffs in such Action shall be nonsuit or a Verdict given for the Defendant or Defendants or if the Plaintiff or Plaintiffs discontinue their Action or if upon Demurrer Judgement shall be given for the Defendant or Defendants every such Defendant or Defendants shall have his or their double Costs.