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Yes, I believe that if implemented well that legalized dueling would be a benefit to society. I think it would generate and reinforce a social pressure for honesty, honor, and courtesy. One would think twice about slandering, offending, cheating, lying when one may have to face public humiliation for cowardice or potential death at the hands of a "grieved" party.

I understand how odious and insane it would seem to have the government in essence officially acknowledge our individual rights to take a dispute to a lethal extreme. That could be construed as a message of violence to our citizenry. Consider that a duel does not necessarily need to end with a death. Also there is already a macho cult of violence in our society, and it puts its emphasis on killing with a gun those who are not in a position to defend themselves.

Our movies, television and video games are evidence enough for our fixation on violence. I believe, as a man, that we have a need to feel that we can prove our worth and our potency in battle of some sort. If we lived in a context that allowed the controlled expression of a violent temperament perhaps the young would be more inclined to emulate the lifestyle of men of honor. As opposed to romanticizing and emulating the trends of the only men in our society that can battle and kill at their own discretion, criminals. Gunning down a rival without giving him a chance would be exposed as the cowardly act it is. Also the sense of empowerment that men, especially, would feel may reduce instances of "going postal". Furthermore I'd prefer legislation that encouraged responsibility in the citizenry as opposed to that which encourages the cult of victimization.

I recommend "Gentleman's Blood" by Barbara Holland as a good read for getting an idea of the historical consequences of dueling and a flavor of what life was like when dueling wasn't just an armchair topic.

Personally I am glad that this topic was opened up. Its been something that I've advocated in the past.

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Learn more about this author, Rinaldo Sax.
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