Man requests 'trial by combat' sword fight with ex-wife to settle legal dispute

He first asks for a delay so he can acquire a samurai sword

File photo: David Ostrom admitted the 'absurdity' of his request, but argued it matched that of his ex-wife's lawyer (Getty)

A Kansas man has requested that a judge allow him and his ex-wife to engage in a sword fight to resolve their ongoing legal dispute — but only after he is able to secure some Japanese samurai swords.

David Ostrom made the request in a court filing earlier this month arguing that his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom of Iowa, and her attorney had “destroyed (him) legally”.

Mr Ostrom argued that the judge could let the parties “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally,”

He added that trial by combat “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States.”

The odd request follows as the Ostroms have engaged in a lengthy dispute over custody and visitation issues, as well as over property tax issues.

Mr Ostrom told the Des Moines Register that his frustrations stem from his ex-wife’s attorney, Matthew Hudson.

“I think I’ve met Mr Hudson’s absurdity with my own absurdity,” he said, adding that he would be alright with his ex-wife choosing her lawyer as a stand-in during the battle.

Mr Hudson, in his response, argued that because a duel could result in death “such ramifications likely outweigh those of property tax and custody issues”.

He asked that the judge dismiss the motion.

The judge said in his response that he won’t make any decision soon, citing irregularities in the filings by both clients.

Additional reporting by agencies