Legal Definitions - judicial combat

Definition: Judicial combat, also known as trial by combat, was a trial method used in Europe and England during the Middle Ages. It involved a personal battle between the disputants, where the person accused fought with the accuser. The belief was that God would give victory to the person in the right.

For example, if someone was accused of a crime, they could choose to fight the accuser in a battle to prove their innocence. The winner of the battle was considered to be in the right and would be declared innocent.

However, this method was not widely used and was introduced into England by the Normans after 1066. It was a detested innovation and became obsolete several centuries before being formally abolished in 1818. It was replaced by other trial methods such as the grand assize and indictment.

Other terms used for judicial combat include trial by battle, trial by wager of battle, trial by duel, duel, duellum, wager of battle, ornest, vadiatio duelli, and wehading.

Explanation: Judicial combat was a trial method that relied on physical strength and skill to determine the outcome of a dispute. It was believed that God would give victory to the person in the right, which meant that the winner of the battle was considered innocent. However, this method was not widely used and was eventually replaced by other trial methods that relied on evidence and testimony rather than physical strength.