Actual Lawyer in New York Demands Trial By Combat (Because It's Not Illegal)

Trial by combat is an ancient practice that's one part myth, and one part history. A combination of honor duel, fate, and political machinations, the idea is that if you are accused of a crime, then you can demand a fight to settle it. In this ultimate, legal version of "might makes right," the challenger may step into the arena himself, or may select a champion willing to stand for him.

Of course, if you're a Game of Thrones fan, you already knew that.

Pictured: A Westerosi law degree.

What may surprise you is that, while dueling was outlawed in America around the time Andrew Jackson was getting comfortable in the White House (and participating in a whole lot of duels with people who crossed him), the concept of trial by combat is not specifically illegal in the U.S. It's not one of those bizarre "still on the books, but god knows why" laws, we just never declared it illegal.

That's why Richard Luthmann, an attorney from Staten Island, demanded a trial by combat earlier this month.

What The Hell?

Luthmann, who is accused of helping a client commit fraud, says that the challenge he's issued is not to be taken at face value (though it does make you wonder what would happen if the other side picked up the gauntlet). Instead, Luthmann claims that the charges are so ridiculous that he wants to show just how silly they are through his challenge.

Will it work? I have no idea... but it's fortunate that Halfthor Bjornsson is currently tied up with other commitments, otherwise we might have one hell of a legal battle.

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