A Kansas man has asked an Iowa judge to let him take part in a sword battle with his ex wife and her lawyer in a trial by combat that will settle their ongoing legal dispute on January 14, 2020.

David Ostrom, 40, of Paola, Kansas, said in his filing that his previous spouse, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, Iowa, and her lawyer, Matthew Hudson, had “wrecked (him) legally.”

The judge hosted the ability to let the gatherings ‘resolve our disputes on the field of fight, lawfully,’ David Ostrom stated, including in his filing that trial by battle ‘has never been expressly prohibited or limited in these United States’. 

He likewise approached the judge for 12 weeks’ time so he could secure Japanese samurai swords. The Ostroms have been entangled in disagreements about custody, visitation issues and property tax payments.

His motion filed in Shelby County District Court originated from his disappointments with his ex’s lawyer, Ostrom disclosed tothe Des Moines Register. 

“I think I’ve met Mr Hudson’s absurdity with my own absurdity,” Ostrom stated, including that his previous spouse could pick Hudson to act as her champion.

Hudson contended in his response that in the light of the fact that a duel could end in death, “such ramifications likely outweigh those of property tax and custody issues”. Hudson requested that the judge dismiss the request for trial by combat.

Judge Craig Dreismeier said in his own filing that he won’t be giving a decision at any point in the near future, referring to anomalies with the two sides’ motions and responses. 

“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,” the judge said.

Author: Swetalana Rout