A code duello is a set of rules for a one-on-one combat, or duel.
Codes duello regulate dueling and thus help prevent vendettas between families and other social factions. They assure that non-violent means of reaching agreement be exhausted and that harm be reduced, both by limiting the terms of engagement and by providing medical care. Finally, they assure that the proceedings have a number of witnesses. The witnesses assure grieving members of factions of the fairness of the duel, and help provide testimony if legal authorities become involved.
Read more about Code Duello: From The Roman Empire To Middle Ages, Renaissance, Irish Code Duello, Marquess of Queensberry, Southern US Code of Honor
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“Hollywood keeps before its child audiences a string of glorified young heroes, everyone of whom is an unhesitating and violent Anarchist. His one answer to everything that annoys him or disparages his country or his parents or his young lady or his personal code of manly conduct is to give the offender a “sock” in the jaw.... My observation leads me to believe that it is not the virtuous people who are good at socking jaws.”
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