Yes, it was a thing in the previous season of Game of Thrones - but trial by combat actually has a basis in real-world lawmaking. Sort of.
The motion of trial by combat was introduced thousands of years ago during the Norman conquest in Britain and was a feature of Brehon Law here in Ireland. Simply put, two people fought over a grievance or legal dispute - usually to the death - and the winner won the case.
As you'd imagine, this hasn't been used in quite some time. However, a lawyer in Staten Island, New York, is looking to bring it back.
Richard A. Luthmann submitted a writ of right for trial by combat. The official court documents state that Luthmann "respectfully requests that the court permit the undersigned to dispatch plaintiffs and their counsel to the Divine Providence of the Maker for Him to exact His divine judgment once the undersigned has released the souls of the plaintiffs and their counsel from their corporeal bodies, personally and or by way of a champion."
Luthmann believes that trial by combat was never outlawed in the United States, therefore his request - although insane - is valid. He even submitted a ten-page of history of trial by combat with his court documents as well.
The lawyer has admitted that he's a fan of Game of Thrones and is aware of how ridiculous his request is.
"They want to be absurd about what they're trying to do, then I'll give them back ridiculousness in kind," Luthmann said.
Let's hope he's got The Mountain on his side or somebody who's well able for this kind of stuff - otherwise he's screwed.
Via SILive
