Trial by Combat in HBO Series Intrigues Alternative Dispute Resolution

HBO's Game of Thrones is a critically acclaimed and wildly popular television series based on the Song of Ice and Fire novels from George R. R. Martin. The fictional series also features an interesting example of alternative dispute resolution: trial by combat, according to Faegre Baker Daniels' Patrick Reilly in the September issue of the American Bar Association's Just Resolutions Enews.

In the series, trial by combat is just as it sounds — a means in which a party can prove his or her innocence when accused of a crime through single combat instead of through a standard trial, Reilly writes in his article, "The History and Legality of Trial by Combat as Popularized by HBO's Game of Thrones." The accused chooses between representing himself or, if unable, may ask for a champion to step in his place.  If the accused is victorious, he is cleared of all charges

It is unimaginable that a U.S. court would seriously consider a trial by combat claim in this day and age, despite its television appeal, Reilly writes. However, the fact that the claim did exist — and some say still does — again proves that people (past and present) continue to explore unique alternative dispute resolution methods.