ordeal by combat
Judicial duel resolution
Ordeal by combat was a medieval method of settling disputes by fighting, on the theory that God would grant victory to whoever was in the right.
The accused and accuser—or their champions—fought until one yielded or died.
The practice declined as legal systems developed other means of determining guilt.
The phrase now appears mostly in historical contexts or fantasy fiction.
- duelPrearranged one-on-one combat
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- trial by fireTest through difficult experience
- championTop competitor, or advocate
- swordHilted fighting blade
honor · medieval · field of honor · thrown down the gauntlet · joust · challenge · blood · justice · knight · arena · mortal · victor · accused · accuser · God · judgment · act of God · fight
- ordealstribulation, hardship, torment, crucible, agony
ordeal by combattrial by jury
Legal proceeding with citizen judges
jury trial · due process · forensic investigation · cross-examination · bench trial
ordeal by combatmediation
Intervention to resolve conflict
diplomatic resolution · compromise · arbitration · reconciliation · dialogue
ordeal by combatrule of law
Supremacy of established laws
constitutional court · civil procedure · DNA evidence · criminal justice reform · human rights tribunal
ordeal, ordeals, combat, combats, combated, combating, combatant, combatants, combative