This is also in the MA Talk section.

First, the disclaimer:
I am not asking this for a hypothetical friend's friend scenario. Although my emotions do get the best of me at times, I hope I have established myself as a reasonable member here.

Duels are and have often been illegal. Should people put their lives on the line for honor? Are duels justified? Have times changed too much for that kind of nonsense?

And finally, would you support a law allowing duels in this day and age?

(Again, I am asking solely out of curiosity)

Okay, I'll bite.

I think whether or not a person would enter a duel whould obviously depend on what is fundamentally important to them. (What do they consider the Meaning of Life). To me, honor is not worth duelling over. (I would certainly fighting to the death for defending myself or my family, perhaps my country or the idea of freedom, but not merely honor).

If someone else wants to duel - fine. One of two fools will earn a Darwin Award in my opinion. (Too many people on the Earth anyway. Hey, they could "do it for the children" [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG] and not waste any more limited resourses).

I may support a law allowing duels, but it would have to guarentee that both idiots understand that one of them will die.

Thank you for replying, MartinR.