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Today in History: Murder Suspect Freed After Plaintiff Declines Battle

4/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 20, 1818, the Court of King's Bench upheld the right to trial by battle in the case of Ashford v Thornton. The plaintiff, after four days, declined to engage in combat, resulting in the defendant's acquittal for murder. This marked a significant moment in the decline of trial by combat in English law.

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Story summary

On April 20, 1818, the Court of King's Bench upheld the right to trial by battle in the case of Ashford v Thornton. The plaintiff, after four days, declined to engage in combat, resulting in the defendant's acquittal for murder. This marked a significant moment in the decline of trial by combat in English law.