2006 New York Code - Action For Libel

 
    §  76.  Action for libel: evidence, separate verdicts. At the trial of
  any civil action for libel, the defendant may prove,  for  consideration
  by  the jury in fixing the amount of the verdict, that the plaintiff has
  already recovered damages,  or  has  received,  or  agreed  to  receive,
  compensation  in  respect  of  a libel or libels of a similar purport or
  effect as the libel  for  which  such  action  has  been  brought.    In
  consolidated  actions  based  on libels of similar purport or effect the
  jury shall assess the whole amount of the  plaintiff's  damages  in  one
  sum, but a separate verdict shall be taken for or against each defendant
  and  the jury shall apportion the amount of damages among the defendants
  against whom it found a verdict.