I said it was a venerable history ... and like you, I prefer the wimpy modern version. Less interesting as a spectator perhaps, but much to be preferred as a p

I said it was a venerable history ... and like you, I prefer the wimpy modern version. Less interesting as a spectator perhaps, but much to be preferred as a participant. Any type of trial is based on the notion that the outcome will be Fair and Just. What people consider Fair and Just changes depending on the people and the time; in some communities simple consistency is apparently enough... Having now revealed my relativist leanings, I will point out that there are certain politicians and telemarketers that I would like to subject to that other time honored judicial fiction, er, system: Trial By Ordeal. The trick will be finding a pond big enough and a large number of heavy stones.