What is a duel?
A duel is a consensual fight between two parties armed with lethal weapons who agree to use the weapons on each other and use them to fight to the death. This is generally a principle based fight, being that the persons involved have a disagreement with one another for one reason or the next. Duels are fueled by honor and the willingness to die for one's beliefs.
Why am I explaining this?
Simple. Because the most awesome murder trial I have ever seen is taking place right now in West Virginia, where Steven Simpson is being charged with a murder by duel. Seems silly to me, since dueling parties have already agreed to fight to the death. However, there is a law in West Virginia that reads:
What happened was this:
Simpson was upset by the victim, Dana Martin, driving back and forth in a loud SUV in front of his house multiple times. Martin was, apparently, helping a friend move and had to drive in front of the house several times. Simpson approached Martin about the issue, and they argued in the street, then went to get something. Each one retrieved a handgun and returned to duel. Martin died in the fight.
So, my issue with this article is this...how are you honestly going to punish a man for a duel? It's implied that at least one, if not both, people are going to die in the process. Why act surprised and charge one for murder?
I kind of admire Simpson. That's a cool way to fight.
A duel is a consensual fight between two parties armed with lethal weapons who agree to use the weapons on each other and use them to fight to the death. This is generally a principle based fight, being that the persons involved have a disagreement with one another for one reason or the next. Duels are fueled by honor and the willingness to die for one's beliefs.
Why am I explaining this?
Simple. Because the most awesome murder trial I have ever seen is taking place right now in West Virginia, where Steven Simpson is being charged with a murder by duel. Seems silly to me, since dueling parties have already agreed to fight to the death. However, there is a law in West Virginia that reads:
"If any person fight in a duel in this state and in doing so inflicts a mortal wound, he shall be deemed guilty of murder."
What happened was this:
Simpson was upset by the victim, Dana Martin, driving back and forth in a loud SUV in front of his house multiple times. Martin was, apparently, helping a friend move and had to drive in front of the house several times. Simpson approached Martin about the issue, and they argued in the street, then went to get something. Each one retrieved a handgun and returned to duel. Martin died in the fight.
So, my issue with this article is this...how are you honestly going to punish a man for a duel? It's implied that at least one, if not both, people are going to die in the process. Why act surprised and charge one for murder?
I kind of admire Simpson. That's a cool way to fight.
(Thank you to this blog for the excellent duel picture!!
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