Kentucky State Officials Must Swear an Oath against Dueling

The oath of office for officials in the State of Kentucky includes an affirmation that the person has never fought a duel:

Typically, a judge and honoree stand facing each other, right hands raised. The judge recites the oath of office with its words proudly repeated.

Then comes this reference: “I, being a citizen of this State, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this State nor out of it, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons, nor have I acted as second in carrying a challenge, nor aided or assisted any person thus offending, so help me God.”

Some legislators want to remove this part of the oath. No, not because they want to start challenging enemies to meet them with saber or pistol, but because it seems so weird to modern America.

Link — thanks, Larry Saunders! | Image of Hamiton/Burr duel, University of South Florida | Previously on Neatorama: Throwing Down the Gauntlet