Legal Definitions - champion

Historically, a champion referred to an individual chosen to represent one of the parties, most often the defendant, in a legal proceeding known as trial by combat. In this ancient method of dispute resolution, the outcome of a physical duel between the champions directly determined the legal judgment of the case. The champion's victory or defeat would decide whether the party they represented was deemed innocent or guilty, or which party prevailed in a civil dispute.

• Consider a scenario in medieval England where a wealthy merchant, accused of a serious crime, was too old and frail to fight. He might appoint a strong, experienced mercenary to act as his champion in a trial by combat against the accuser's chosen fighter. If the mercenary won, the merchant would be legally acquitted of the charges, demonstrating how the champion's performance dictated the represented party's fate.

• Imagine two noble families in a historical kingdom disputing the rightful heir to a significant estate. Instead of a lengthy court battle, they agree to settle the matter through a judicial duel. Each family selects their most formidable knight to serve as their champion. The family whose champion emerged victorious would legally secure the inheritance, illustrating how champions were used to resolve civil disputes.

• In a historical context where a woman was accused of a crime, and societal norms or physical limitations prevented her from fighting, she might have a male relative or a hired fighter step forward to serve as her champion. This champion would then engage in combat against the accuser's representative, with the woman's freedom or punishment entirely dependent on the duel's result, highlighting the champion's role in representing vulnerable parties.