Editing Code duello (section)

==Irish Code Duello==
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Dueling with firearms grew in popularity in the 18th century, especially with the adoption of the [[Ireland|Irish]] Code Duello in 1777 at the Clonmel Summer Assizes. The Code consists of 25 rules and several footnotes. Rule #16 gives the choice of weapons to the challenged party, but the use of swords can be avoided if the challenger swears on his honor not to be a swordsman, making it easier and more practical to duel.

Typical weapons were cased [[Duelling pistol|dueling pistols]], tuned for identical appearance, reliability and accuracy. In America, the Irish code eventually supplanted the usual method of brutal hand-to-hand combat and gave the combat a respectable feel. However, since the combatants could not control guns as precisely as swords, gun duels had a greater chance of being fatal.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} Some duels miscarried because both opponents did not hear or see the starting signal. Agreeing to a signal was helpful.

The Irish code banned the custom of [[deloping]] or deliberately discharging one's firearm into the ground (usually, well away from the opponent). This custom was used when one or both duelists wished to end a dispute without inflicting bodily harm or appearing cowardly; the Irish code forbade the practice because it often resulted in accidental injury.

In 1838, former governor of South Carolina [[John Lyde Wilson]] published ''The Code of Honor; or Rules for the Government of Principals and Seconds in Dueling''. The author later stated that at the time of writing, he had never seen the Irish code.