Why Should I Hang?: Leo Frank and the Murder of Mary Phagan (pt. 3)

Holmgang

The British judicial tradition from whence Georgia law derives hearkens back to the Germanic Holmgang, trial by combat.  Champions for each side present their case.  Rules determine what modes of combat are permitted and which forbidden, just as a knight battling for his client's honor would be expected to avoid chicanery like poisoned blades. …