Trial by combat is a judicial proceeding to determine guilt or innocence. Even if the matter is one of property or contract, the issue at combat is which of the two parties has committed perjury.  The concept is that God will step in to aid the righteous party, similar to the very different &#x27;trial by ordeal&#x27;.<p>Dueling is a means of resolving disputes between individuals, normally over matter of honour or defamation.  Or women.  There is some crossover in terms, with some courts referring to trial by combat as a dueling, but it isn&#x27;t the same thing.  Dueling traditions normally involve a great many steps to avoid legal repercussions<p>The modern version of dueling is probably streetracing.  Kids+honor+danger+girls+illegality+expensive toys = occasional deaths.