A Duel – Traditional Custom of Honorable Debate with a Weapon in a Hand or Form of Independent Measuring Justice

Abstract

The article explains the notion of duel from the law’s point of view, as well as tradition and honor. It includes the historical development of this phenomenon. It presents the essence of this kind of crime, on the basis of penal acts, i.e. Austrian Penal Act from 1852 year, German Penal Code from 1871 year, Russian Penal Code from 1903 year, Polish Penal Code from 1932 year. The text explains the general definition of duel, it mentions duel’s part and defines the object of legal protection and subject of crime. It indicates the results and participants of dueling battles. Problem of American’s duel has been presented . This thesis shows principles of gentleman’s procedures in daily life on the basis of honorable code. The article allows to understand morale of departed epoch, in legal and custom aspect.