§ Lord Denman laid on the table a bill, the object of which was to provide, that in all actions of libel or slander, where damages under 40s. were awarded, such damages should not carry costs beyond the amount of the verdict. The noble and learned Lord observed, that this was a regulation of considerable importance, inasmuch as actions for small libels were constantly occurring, which were only introduced for the sake of the costs.
§ Bill read a first time.