[1.]. On the trial of an indictment for a libel, the jury may give a general verdict upon the whole matter put in issue, and shall not be required by the court to find the defendant guilty merely on proof of the publication, and of the sense ascribed to it in the information.
2. But the court shall give their opinion and directions on the matter in issue as in other criminal cases.
4. Defendants may move in arrest of judgement, as before passing this Act.