What is “trial by combat”?

The story behind the answer

In medieval Europe, when a case lacked clear evidence or credible witnesses, courts could authorize the disputing parties (or their champions) to fight. The victor’s success was taken as proof of divine favor—“God’s judgment”—and thus the lawful resolution of the case. The result carried full legal force, overriding conflicting testimony.

This practice emerged from Germanic customary law and existed alongside other ordeals like trial by fire or water. It was used in serious accusations, including felony and land disputes, and was especially prominent among nobles. A famous example is the 1386 duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris in France. As legal systems embraced juries, written evidence, and inquisitorial procedures, the practice declined; in England it technically persisted until Ashford v. Thornton (1818), though by then it was effectively obsolete.