A man in America asked a judge for a trial by combat to settle a dispute with his ex-wife.
David Omstrom, of Kansas, asked Iowa District Court for permission to fight Bridgette Ostrom, 38, and her legal team “on the field of battle where [he] will rend their souls from their corporal bodies.”
In court documents, the 40-year-old argues “combat has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in the United States,” adding that “trial by combat” was used “as recently as 1818 in British Court”.
Mr Omstrom has also requested 12 weeks of “lead time” ahead of any duel to gather katana and wakizashi swords, the Carroll Times Herald reports.
He reportedly said in the court filing that Matthew Hudson, his former wife’s lawyer, can be her “champion” in battle.
“I think I’ve met Mr. Hudson’s absurdity with my own absurdity,” he said. "If Mr Hudson is willing to do it, I will meet him. I don't think he has the guts to do it.”
But Mr Hudson pointed out this trial could prove fatal and “such ramifications likely outweigh” the fractured couple’s row over tax, urging the request to be rejected.
Judge Craig Dreismeier said on Monday that no decisions will be made soon, citing confusion with each side’s motions and responses.
He said: “Until the proper procedural steps to initiate a court proceeding are followed, this court will take no further action concerning any motion, objection or petition filed by either party at this time.
