One of the better features of common law was the capacity to duel an advisary of common ilk when satisfaction was required for one's honor.
Today we have little capacity to protect honor when anonymous or known flaming ensues. While some feel compelled to respond and continue the silliness, others simply walk away shaking here heads knowing there is little they can do.
It wasn't that long ago that dueling was even made illegal. Just think of the application of reducing violent crime. Even if drugs were kept illegal, differing parties in their illegal transactions could still legally gain satisfaction in the event of a grave disagreement. This might save a lot of public money spent on the legal system in this instance.
This might not even violate the tenet of the hardcore Libertarian who feels that the iniaition of force to acheive the public good is unacceptable. Two parties could have no designs on said public good and eqaully be able to attain 'satisfaction' in an d unending disagreement that smacks of insulting honor or integrity. This was the mainstay of the classic Burr And Hamilton dispute. They certainly were not bickering over banking policy.
The point is that if the the threat of satisfaction came in the form of a duel (death need not apply in all disputes) perhaps we wouldn't have so many outbursts and temper tantrums that yielded hostility and anger. Parties would be polite and accomodating as if they had guns.
Unfortunately life and politics have no such simple solutions anymore. We fight and fus causing each other ulcers and despair. A slow simmering anger and defenseness crops up in all those bitten by friendly overtures and intent. Well you know the rest . . .
Comments (1)
Perhaps failure to duel is a greater crime than shootouts like the common gang engages in with another; meeting in a field and engaging in such an act does limit the risk of attempted involuntary manslaughter also known as killing someone caught in a cross fire.
Cheers,
Gölök Zoltán Leenderdt Franco Buday
http://www.contact.myegotimes.com/
“The Democrats are the party of government activism, the party that says government can make you richer, smarter, taller, and get the chickweed out of your lawn. Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work, and then get elected and prove it.” -- P. J. O'Rourke
http://www.en.wiquo.myegopedia.com/
http://w3.terrantula.com/
Posted by Gölök Buday | October 8, 2006 12:04 PM
Posted on October 8, 2006 12:04