NationStates Jolt Archive

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20050526p2a00m0dm009001c.html

Youths arrested for violating 116-year-old dueling law

Two groups of youths who fought each other in pairs to settle a dispute have been arrested for bodily injury and dueling, a practice outlawed in Japan in the 1880s, police said.

Arrested were 12 youths aged between 15 and 17 from Yokohama and the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Six of them were first-year high school students and the other six had just graduated from junior high school.

Investigators said they gathered in a park in Tokyo's Setagaya-ku at about 8:50 p.m. on March 11 to settle trouble over the sale of a motorcycle, and formed six pairs to fight each other in duels. One person suffered injuries to his arm and head that took about two weeks to heal.

Members of the two groups set rules for the bouts, including that dueling partners had to be chosen with consent from both sides, hair-pulling was not allowed, opponents would keep fighting until one of them stopped moving if neither side gave up, and that fighting to the death was permitted.

The group from Yokohama was ahead by three wins to two and the two sides were staging the sixth duel when police officers arrived and broke up the fight.

The youths were reportedly interested in fighting sports such as K-1.

"What's wrong with hitting each other with consent," one of the arrested youths was quoted as saying.

Dueling was forbidden by law in Japan in 1889.

What do you think?

At least they didn't use swords.

There's no reason they can't just box legally, or whatever they do in Japan. Using a public park for fights isn't the place.

The Constitutions of the States of Alabama, California, and Texas have provisions providing for punishments and/or loss of right to vote for engaging in or being a second in a duel.

I *believe* duelling is still legal in two states (at least, it was in the early 1990s), but I don't recall what they are...

While I agree in principle that consenting people can fight each other (so long as they have an obvious agreement to do so that covers who is responsible for injuries, etc.), they made a couple of mistakes.

First of all, they chose a public, rather than a private place to do this.

Second of all, their rules allowed fighting to the death.

They should have settled their disputes in a martial arts dojo, or at least been wearing gis.

You can get away with full contact combat in public if you are wearing a gi or other any type of martial-arts uniform.

The Constitutions of the States of Alabama, California, and Texas have provisions providing for punishments and/or loss of right to vote for engaging in or being a second in a duel.

I *believe* duelling is still legal in two states (at least, it was in the early 1990s), but I don't recall what they are...

There is a law in one of the Southern states prohibiting people from mocking someone who will not partcipate in a duel. hehe

Duelling is foolish. But its kinda neat too.

The last (recorded) Duel fought in the western world was in Paris in the 1950's, between a Theatre Director and a Producer. One died, the other went to jail.

Big gang fights are much more fun to watch

Duelling is foolish. But its kinda neat too.

The last (recorded) Duel fought in the western world was in Paris in the 1950's, between a Theatre Director and a Producer. One died, the other went to jail.

I'm thinking there may have been some recorded ones in South America more recently than that. But I could be very wrong.

I think if dueling were reintroduced people would be alot more polite.

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20050526p2a00m0dm009001c.html

What do you think?

Only in Japan...

Hah, we in the Commonwealth of Virginia have Japan beat! We've had anti-dueling laws in effect since 1810!

Duelling is great. People should be able to put their lives on the line if they want to in the name of their honor(Or in that case motorcycle). After all, we're given this life and we're supposedly "free" so why not?

Duelling is foolish. But its kinda neat too.

The last (recorded) Duel fought in the western world was in Paris in the 1950's, between a Theatre Director and a Producer. One died, the other went to jail.

Supposedly, some of the Schlager fraternities in Austria & Germany still have an actual duel (infrequently). According to one of my old fencing instructors, it's like once a decade or so... maybe less.

Hah, we in the Commonwealth of Virginia have Japan beat! We've had anti-dueling laws in effect since 1810!

Well, remember that Japan was still feudal at that time...

I'm thinking there may have been some recorded ones in South America more recently than that. But I could be very wrong.

There was one recored in New York fairly recently. It was thought to be a terrorist act because there was no advanced warning and both participants died. Basicly, a New York City official and someone he didn't like shot each other with pistols inside city hall or something like that.

Investigation showed that it was a pre-aranged duel to the death.

In England during the 1600 and 1700s dueling used to be seen as a sport. They weren't to the death, but sharp weapons were used and sometimes people did die. They were called Prizes. They even had female combatants too, which was something of a rare thing.

They used weapons ranging from hand and a halfs, rapiers, a case of rapiers (one in either hand), quarter staffs etc

Such a good idea for a reality tv show :D

What ever happened to Thunderdome?

Members of the two groups set rules for the bouts, including that dueling partners had to be chosen with consent from both sides, hair-pulling was not allowed, opponents would keep fighting until one of them stopped moving if neither side gave up, and that fighting to the death was permitted.

It must have been one fucking good bike that they were fighting over.

What ever happened to Thunderdome?Can't we just get beyond Thunderdome?

Hair pulling wasn't allowed, but fighting to the death was?

What ever happened to Thunderdome?

You can experience Thunderdome @ BurningMan, every year. Come out and kick some ass. Much fun!

Thunderdome is BADASS (http://www.paulsop.com/gallery/Burning-Man-2004/IMG_1077)

People continue to underestimate the value of violence.

I honestly believe that the reason why there are so many killings in America is because there aren't enough beatings.

I frown on the idea of beating people to death. But short of that, at least the fools live to learn. Unlike gun violence.

We need to encourage fighting. *nod*

We need to encourage fighting. *nod*

No. We need to encourage reasoning -_-''''

No. We need to encourage reasoning -_-''''

Eventually. One evolutionary step at a time. :)

There's no reason they can't just box legally, or whatever they do in Japan. Using a public park for fights isn't the place.

exactly... they should do it in the privacy of their... wherever...

When I was in ROTC me and my officer friends had lots of fun fights (we were so into Highlander, The Series) we even wore trenchcoats around school with swords strapped on... hehehe! Course we fought in the woods, not in front of EVERYONE! Nothing like bared blades, warhammers and skin cut to the bone when guys want to have a spot of afternoon fun.

Maharlikana

Well, remember that Japan was still feudal at that time...

Remember 'Last Samurai'? It was around that time that Meiji and his advisors were clamping down on the old order to bring Japan into the 'new century'. Duelling was a samurai's right so that must have influenced things.

Maharlikana

probably shouldnt be allowed to the death, but i see no reason people can be allowed to kick the crap out of each other if they want to.
but they definitely need to cover their own medical bills

Eventually. One evolutionary step at a time. :)

Hahahahahaha. :D:D:D:D

i'm absolutely in favor of bringing back dueling(with honorable rules of conduct and an official "dueling" arena). say to first blood or one side surrenders but not to the death. think of all the court costs and time it would save.

i'm absolutely in favor of bringing back dueling(with honorable rules of conduct and an official "dueling" arena). say to first blood or one side surrenders but not to the death. think of all the court costs and time it would save.

My grandfather, a lawyer, always said that the lawyers were the new knights except it's trial by jury rather than trial by combat. It would pretty much be the same I think - the victory goes to the better fighter instead of the better lawyer... doesn't necessarily make it the truth. Still in 'matters of honour' there's a lot of macho romance about it - Someone messes with your wife, pistols at dawn and whoever wins keeps her.

Maharlikana

We had something like that in Highschool - sometimes 'just for fun', sometimes to settle legitimate 'grievances' - the two parties would square off for 30 seconds to 2 minutes of no holds barred (no weapons, just the body) fighting then draw off. There were some really interesting fights - particularly between the nerds and the jocks.

My ex-friend, the school's uber-nerd fought this bully by head butting him and when the bully hit back he presses his belly button and says (in best anime style):

Microshields!

(he's giving himself a voice command)

And when the bully's distracted, finding out what the heck microshields are, he headbutts him again and knocks the bully to the ground. Since the 30 seconds ran out just then, he won!

Maharlikana

exactly... they should do it in the privacy of their... wherever...

When I was in ROTC me and my officer friends had lots of fun fights (we were so into Highlander, The Series) we even wore trenchcoats around school with swords strapped on... hehehe! Course we fought in the woods, not in front of EVERYONE! Nothing like bared blades, warhammers and skin cut to the bone when guys want to have a spot of afternoon fun.


Am I the only one struck by the homoeroticism of this post?

As long as they specifically agree on the rules, write it and sign it. I really don't care what they do.

Remember 'Last Samurai'? It was around that time that Meiji and his advisors were clamping down on the old order to bring Japan into the 'new century'. Duelling was a samurai's right so that must have influenced things.

Maharlikana

The Meiji Restoration occured in 1868, well after the 1810 Virgina Dueling law Tekania brought up.

(And The Last Samurai? Bad, bad movie, worse history, and downright silly culturally. Here's a good review by a historian: http://hnn.us/articles/2746.html)

We still have dueling in the states, only now we call it gangland shootouts

Duelling is foolish. But its kinda neat too.

The last (recorded) Duel fought in the western world was in Paris in the 1950's, between a Theatre Director and a Producer. One died, the other went to jail.

Personally I think that duelling would to a lot to relieve our over burdenend court system. The civil side of it anyway.

And think how much more streamlined our political process would become if any politician who lied about his opponent could be met not with corrections but a call to arms. It's a bit tough to accuse someone of being a pussy because he follows the law and then call him hate-filled for being angry with you when you know that he can legally beat the shit out of you.

Now I do think that the procedure needs to be updated for the current millenium. Perhaps if someone does something that pisses you off (calls you gay in public, paints his house an ugly color while you're trying to get yours appraised next door etc.) then you can go to the county clerk and pick up a "filing for duel" form and fill it out with yours and the challenged party's names, along with the complaint. Then present it to the challenged party so that he can either choose what form the duel itself will take (pistols at dawn, foils, baseball bats), Or he can offer redress (public apology, paint his house something decent etc.). If it does come to blows then the duel must take place at the clerks office under the watch of an official.

Now that I think about it, guns would probably be off limits. In the modern world it's too likely that you'll hit someone else. Or at least break a window.

Supposedly, some of the Schlager fraternities in Austria & Germany still have an actual duel (infrequently). According to one of my old fencing instructors, it's like once a decade or so... maybe less.

I've heard the same thing. My source was my fencing coach, odddly enough. (Same source who told me of the "Last Duel" in France. I think the Paris Duel is considered important because it was the whole nine-yards, with seconds, rapirs at dawn, didn't get interupted, both opponents were accomplished & respected for their fencing skills, resulted in a death, was between citizens who were not members of the same fraternity, etc. Those Schlager Fraternites are bloody enough as it is, they don't really need a full on duel to settle a grudge. But thats the same reason I don't for a moment doubt that they do in fact have the occasional duel. Personaly, I can't get the hang of Sabres. I can't think and move that way without a lot more effort than usual. To be good at Sabre, you have to be a breed apart. I'm ambidextrous and use my left for Epee, meaning I have an easier time of it than most fencers (I'm pretty decent with my right too...but don't gain any advantages from that, obviosly...except for it making me a popular sparring partner) Anywho....

Dueling appeals to me, but its evrpresent undercurrent of might makes right inclines me against it as a legal way of settling disputes. Of course, the current system isn't exactly free of similar symptoms as dueling, only in this case its Money rather than Might. I must admit I'd be willing to duel for a really super motorbike and many other things though. Of course I'd prefer rapiers rather than fists or pistols.

The Meiji Restoration occured in 1868, well after the 1810 Virgina Dueling law Tekania brought up.

(And The Last Samurai? Bad, bad movie, worse history, and downright silly culturally. Here's a good review by a historian: http://hnn.us/articles/2746.html)

Agree on all that but what I was saying is that perhaps that was another one of the reasons that duelling was banned in Japan. Just brought up Last Samurai to give those who've no idea about such things some current cultural image to cling to.

My grandfather, a lawyer, always said that the lawyers were the new knights except it's trial by jury rather than trial by combat. It would pretty much be the same I think - the victory goes to the better fighter instead of the better lawyer... doesn't necessarily make it the truth. Still in 'matters of honour' there's a lot of macho romance about it - Someone messes with your wife, pistols at dawn and whoever wins keeps her.

Maharlikana

I don't think that the winner of the duel was necessarily supposed to get everything his way. A duel was not the same a trial by combat. It was supposed to be about showing that you're manly. Loosing gracefully was supposed to be as good as winning.

Not that I'm posting this as historical fact, but there was a passage in "the Man in the Iron Mask" where a character was telling the story of how he lost a duel to the man who was having an affair with his wife. "Once he knocked me flat on my back he told me that he sincerely apologized and he would end the affair at once. I told him that I only challenged him to the duel because my friends said it would look bad not to, but I'd be much obliged if he'd keep her out of my hair." Probably not an exact quote, but true enough to the basic idea I think.

While I agree in principle that consenting people can fight each other (so long as they have an obvious agreement to do so that covers who is responsible for injuries, etc.), they made a couple of mistakes.

First of all, they chose a public, rather than a private place to do this.

Second of all, their rules allowed fighting to the death.

Don't forget, these were kids.

Part of me says No way, there are way too many practical issues involved. Gang fights would be impossible to stop, because both sides would claim they were just dueling if the police tried to bust them. Legal duelling would have to be heavily regimented, defined to be only one on one, in private to not cause a public disturbance, and non fatal, to head off lawsuits, as there are some things you can't give away via contract. (I.E. you can't sign anything to become a slave) and I'd bet your life is one such thing that you can't sign away.

The other part of me would love giving morons the chance to kill each other, and clean out the gene pool.

Youths arrested for violating 116-year-old dueling law

Two groups of youths who fought each other in pairs to settle a dispute have been arrested for bodily injury and dueling, a practice outlawed in Japan in the 1880s, police said.

Arrested were 12 youths aged between 15 and 17 from Yokohama and the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Six of them were first-year high school students and the other six had just graduated from junior high school.

Investigators said they gathered in a park in Tokyo's Setagaya-ku at about 8:50 p.m. on March 11 to settle trouble over the sale of a motorcycle, and formed six pairs to fight each other in duels. One person suffered injuries to his arm and head that took about two weeks to heal.

Members of the two groups set rules for the bouts, including that dueling partners had to be chosen with consent from both sides, hair-pulling was not allowed, opponents would keep fighting until one of them stopped moving if neither side gave up, and that fighting to the death was permitted.

The group from Yokohama was ahead by three wins to two and the two sides were staging the sixth duel when police officers arrived and broke up the fight.

The youths were reportedly interested in fighting sports such as K-1.

"What's wrong with hitting each other with consent," one of the arrested youths was quoted as saying.

Dueling was forbidden by law in Japan in 1889. In March this year six youths from the Tokyo city of Kunitachi who dueled each other were arrested and referred to prosecutors. (Mainichi Shimbun, Japan, May 26, 2005)
Against the Law is Against the Law... now if they did their duel but did it like... say a basketball game or Football game... then that's different.

but fighting? over a bike?

glad they didn't kill themselves.

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20050526p2a00m0dm009001c.html



What do you think?

I see absolutely nothing wrong with dueling, provided both participants agree to the terms. It would drastically cut down on the amount of superfluous court cases choking our courts, and the amount of people sent to jail, and profit could be made from televising it as well. A win-win on all accounts in my opinion.

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20050526p2a00m0dm009001c.html



What do you think?
Am I the only one that finds it funny?

Am I the only one that finds it funny?

No, I think it's hilarious.

If dueling to the death is allowed. Then the survival rate for people with agressive/violent tendencies would be lower...and base on the theory of evolution....

Only in Japan...


In the rest of the world if everyone wasn't so bent on coddleing their youth. Respect and honor are largely a thing of the past, while aggression remains. It has to vent somehow. Atleast these boys decided clear rules, and only involved the parties that were consenting, rather than a crowded bus or train, or like America opening fire in a High School. Just because your mother told you not to hit the bully who swipes your lunch money doesn't mean you feel any better when he grinds your face in the dirt.

Duelling is The utmost in Gentlemanly combat and when its not very Gentlemanly its better.
Whats more in Austrian Univesities Duelling was still active in the 30's and to have a scarred face wasan Honour!

The snag I can see is that any murderer could just put a sword in his victim's hand afterwards and say "yeah, actually it was a duel, so you can't arrest me".

Also someone that really didn't want to duel might get pressured into it by the one who did want to duel (or their friends). The whole business of proving your honour and that.

But enough of these reservations, and hand me my rapier!

Those Schlager Fraternites are bloody enough as it is, they don't really need a full on duel to settle a grudge. But thats the same reason I don't for a moment doubt that they do in fact have the occasional duel. Personaly, I can't get the hang of Sabres. I can't think and move that way without a lot more effort than usual. To be good at Sabre, you have to be a breed apart. I'm ambidextrous and use my left for Epee, meaning I have an easier time of it than most fencers (I'm pretty decent with my right too...but don't gain any advantages from that, obviosly...except for it making me a popular sparring partner) Anywho....


Thats because Sabre is more like actual sword fighting where as Epee and Foil are sports, not even close to 'real' swords. That said modern Sabre fencing isn't even close to the real thing.

But enough of these reservations, and hand me my rapier!


Sod a rapier, give me my longsword :D

Thats because Sabre is more like actual sword fighting where as Epee and Foil are sports, not even close to 'real' swords. That said modern Sabre fencing isn't even close to the real thing.

Electric sabre fencing is a game of tag played with whips.

Dry sabre is still great... if you can get 7 people together. :(

Duelling is The utmost in Gentlemanly combat and when its not very Gentlemanly its better.
Whats more in Austrian Univesities Duelling was still active in the 30's and to have a scarred face wasan Honour!

Yet even earlier, Bismarck said to one junior officer with several duelling scars: "In my day, blades were parried with blades, not the face". ;)

BTW: Schlager is still fenced open faced (usually) with welding goggles and ear boxes in Austria & Germany.

I've heard the same thing. My source was my fencing coach, odddly enough. (Same source who told me of the "Last Duel" in France. I think the Paris Duel is considered important because it was the whole nine-yards, with seconds, rapirs at dawn, didn't get interupted, both opponents were accomplished & respected for their fencing skills, resulted in a death, was between citizens who were not members of the same fraternity, etc.

Hmm. That is after Aldo Nadi's duel... it's probably true, but then duels rarely get reported these days. Big cultural change from pre-WW1 to post WW2...


Those Schlager Fraternites are bloody enough as it is, they don't really need a full on duel to settle a grudge. But thats the same reason I don't for a moment doubt that they do in fact have the occasional duel. Personaly, I can't get the hang of Sabres. I can't think and move that way without a lot more effort than usual. To be good at Sabre, you have to be a breed apart. I'm ambidextrous and use my left for Epee, meaning I have an easier time of it than most fencers (I'm pretty decent with my right too...but don't gain any advantages from that, obviosly...except for it making me a popular sparring partner) Anywho....

I also fence Epee! However, I have normal (35 inch) arms, and I find to be at a disadvantage against the "normal" 6'+ epee fencer with 37" long arms... I use the Spanish grip to "equalize" it a bit. :D

Sabreing today is almost a joke. I'd be surpirsed if it survives another twenty years. I actually started fencing Epee because when I showed up to tourneys for sabre, it'd be me and 2-3 others... short round robin. :(

Dueling appeals to me, but its evrpresent undercurrent of might makes right inclines me against it as a legal way of settling disputes. Of course, the current system isn't exactly free of similar symptoms as dueling, only in this case its Money rather than Might. I must admit I'd be willing to duel for a really super motorbike and many other things though. Of course I'd prefer rapiers rather than fists or pistols.

When choosing weapons, always take what's to your advantage. ;)

In the rest of the world if everyone wasn't so bent on coddleing their youth. Respect and honor are largely a thing of the past, while aggression remains. It has to vent somehow. Atleast these boys decided clear rules, and only involved the parties that were consenting, rather than a crowded bus or train, or like America opening fire in a High School. Just because your mother told you not to hit the bully who swipes your lunch money doesn't mean you feel any better when he grinds your face in the dirt.

Japanese kids are seriously coddled.
Household chores? Nope, that's mommies job.
Part time job? Maybe, if you're a college student or from a seriously poor family. Never, ever if you're middle class or above.
The "parasite singles" (unmarried young people in their 20s and even 30s, who live at home, expect their mother to cook and cleanfor them, don't contribute anything towards the household expenses, etc.) are a huge social problem here.

And it's interesting to note that those in favor some form of consensual dueling outweigh those opposed by 82 to 24, at the moment.

Electric sabre fencing is a game of tag played with whips.

Dry sabre is still great... if you can get 7 people together. :(

So is foil, thats even worse. Agreed epee is the best to watch (but that said watching modern sport fencing is dull as its "I can lash you before you lash me") but non of them have anything on fencing with a proper blade. Even Schlaeger isn't the same.

But in a free for all i would not choose anything but a sabre.

We were allowed 1 free for all with mixed weapons at my old fencing school. The head coach was away so we had a play. You had a balloon attached to your front and your back. Once they were both poped you were out. It was brilliant, the couple of really decent fencers were forced into a corner by all the kids (like 15 8-15 year olds) and 'slaughtered', the kids then turned round to find those who had been fencing between themselves (inc me) had surrounded them into the corner and were also dealt with. Then a running fight ensued between the last few survivors (inc. me). I fenced with the one other sabreur climbing on top of a pile of gym mats in a corner and stayed there taking on all comers, until i was told i had to come down to face the final other fencer. :rolleyes:

Three moves and it was over. He thrust at my balloon on my chest, i just parried to the side and stepped in in the same motion, and took out the ballon on his back with my pommel. :D

Think it was the only time I actually managed to do well in a fight, oh well. :D Going back to the normal style was never the same after that. Hence why I quit in search of something else.

But you are right, not enough people do sabre, as its a lot different to epee and foil (which IMHO is worse than sabre for whipping, at least sabres are slightly stiff, i hate whippy blades).

I demand satisfaction!

I demand satisfaction!

:eek:

That means I get to choose weapons right? good :D

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/news/20050526p2a00m0dm009001c.html



What do you think?

That's not a duel, that's a full-contact martial arts tournament. Give the kids a break; just remind them to get themselves a gym to rent out next time they need to settle their beef.

Yet even earlier, Bismarck said to one junior officer with several duelling scars: "In my day, blades were parried with blades, not the face". ;)

BTW: Schlager is still fenced open faced (usually) with welding goggles and ear boxes in Austria & Germany.
LOL Yeah ive heard that!

The Meiji Restoration occured in 1868, well after the 1810 Virgina Dueling law Tekania brought up.

(And The Last Samurai? Bad, bad movie, worse history, and downright silly culturally. Here's a good review by a historian: http://hnn.us/articles/2746.html)
anything that brings ken watanabe to the screen cannot be a bad thing

When teased about the awful sound of his daughter's piano playing, President Truman{I'm pretty sure it was Truman} offered the mouthy politician a round of 'skull thumping our behind the barn' to teach him a lesson in manners.

I'm all for dueling. Not pistols. That's cheesy. But swords, staves, or best of all, good ole knuckle and skull. If all parties consent, so much the better. If one party shines off, they would be condemned as a coward and thought of no more. I like the idea of filing with a city official for a set time and date for your combat, for duels to the death or even to first blood. It would kind of take the heat out of things, but it would ensure only those with proper grivances would file. Minor disputes could be settled with fists. Screw rules, no holds barred.

People need their asses kicked. If duels were legal people would think twice about starting shit with a random stranger, mouthing off thoughtlessly, or otherwise making asses of themselves, because you never know about people. That goofy little nerd that pushes carts at Wal-Mart might demand flip his shit and cut you to bloody shreds.

The snag I can see is that any murderer could just put a sword in his victim's hand afterwards and say "yeah, actually it was a duel, so you can't arrest me".

Also someone that really didn't want to duel might get pressured into it by the one who did want to duel (or their friends). The whole business of proving your honour and that.

But enough of these reservations, and hand me my rapier!

That's why I said that if you duel today then you have to file at the county clerk's office first. Both the challenger and the challenged parties must sign and the clerk must notarize before the duel is official. Still streamlines the courts, still maintains honorable combat, still keeps it legit.

When teased about the awful sound of his daughter's piano playing, President Truman{I'm pretty sure it was Truman} offered the mouthy politician a round of 'skull thumping our behind the barn' to teach him a lesson in manners.

I'm all for dueling. Not pistols. That's cheesy. But swords, staves, or best of all, good ole knuckle and skull. If all parties consent, so much the better. If one party shines off, they would be condemned as a coward and thought of no more. I like the idea of filing with a city official for a set time and date for your combat, for duels to the death or even to first blood. It would kind of take the heat out of things, but it would ensure only those with proper grivances would file. Minor disputes could be settled with fists. Screw rules, no holds barred.

People need their asses kicked. If duels were legal people would think twice about starting shit with a random stranger, mouthing off thoughtlessly, or otherwise making asses of themselves, because you never know about people. That goofy little nerd that pushes carts at Wal-Mart might demand flip his shit and cut you to bloody shreds.

As good ole RAH famously said "An armed society is a polite society" (some one else may have said that, but most associate with him.)

Duelling is one of those things that the law should forbid, and that honour should command.

So, if you're asking me whether I think there should be a law against duelling, the answer is yes, but if you're asking me if I would refuse a fair, good ol' fight to settle cetain disputes, the answer is no.