- cross-posted to:
- todayilearned@lemmit.online
- cross-posted to:
- todayilearned@lemmit.online
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.
The US also has a right to face one’s accuser. Just not in a gladiatorial arena sadly.
We’ve also got the right not to be tried twice for the same offense which could of saved him from resorting to trial by combat.