Philadelphia, PA asked in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania

Q: Is there a law about challenging another person to a duel?

I heard of a story where if you smack someone in the face with a white glove, you are legally enabled to duel he or she? My friend said this on a road trip and I was just wondering the validity of his statement.

2 Lawyer Answers
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Wyomissing, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: In medieval times you might, but generally today you smack someone in the face they have a right to claim you assaulted them, they can claim self defense and biff you back--not a good idea. Dueling is outlawed in many states, not in Pennsylvania unless you are in the military. However the actions involved in Dueling--striking someone, etc--are outlawed and no, you can't "agree" to a fight.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Wyomissing, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: If you smack someone in the face that's a battery. You are not legally enabled to duel anywhere. While in Pennsylvania it is not illegal to have a duel, if the duel involves physical contact, injury, etc then the actions are illegal. In short you can't agree to a fight. But smacking someone to provoke them to fight is definitiely a crime. Don't do it.

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