- cross-posted to:
- todayilearned@zerobytes.monster
- cross-posted to:
- todayilearned@zerobytes.monster
TIL in 1818, an Englishman accused of murder demanded a trial by combat. Surprisingly, the law that allowed for trial by combat was still valid, and the man was acquitted when his accuser declined the offer of battle. Trial by combat was abolished the following year.
Who does he combat? The dead man or the judge or the prosecution or the bereaved?
His “accuser” apparently. So… Detective?