You Won’t Believe What KY Officials Must Do When Being Sworn In

In every state in this country, there are old laws on the books that seem completely outrageous. Yet, there they still are. Do the police REALLY crack down if a woman purchases her hat without permission in Owensboro KY? I seriously, SERIOUSLY doubt it. Do the authorities in South Bend IN haul you in for forcing a monkey to smoke a cigarette? Actually, I'm not sure since I have no idea where you'd even GET a monkey in South Bend IN. But you get what I mean.

Most of these ridiculous laws are archaic and were likely enacted for good reason. But times change, and permission to buy a hat or forcing a bad habit onto a primate don't present as huge problems in 2025. But when it comes to certain ceremonies, something that DOES seem archaic is still a requirement.

Dueling in Kentucky

Yes, you read that sub-header right. Dueling. Does it still happen in Kentucky? Does it still happen ANYWHERE? Of course not. For obvious reasons, they're illegal. But they ARE a part of the fabric of Kentucky's history. Well, Aaron Burr vs. Alexander Hamilton is a world-renowned historical event and must certainly be the most famous duel of all time. Talk about a big part of historical fabric.

At one time, our nation operated under something called the Code Duello, a list of 26 rules one must follow in order to keep a duel civilized. Talk about an oxymoron. Sos.ky.gov details a litany of Kentucky duels between supposedly civilized men. Pretty horrifying, really. It was so horrifying, in fact, that, beginning in 1891, anyone elected to public office must swear that they have never participated in a duel.

Yes, it's 2025, and if you're about to assume a public position, we have taken you at your word that you have never dueled. It's hard to believe, but it's a fact of life.

Duel Clause of the Kentucky Constitution

But wait, there's more. First responders and attorneys must also swear they have never dueled. It's all right there in Section 228 of the Kentucky Constitution.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth, and be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I will faithfully execute, to the best of my ability, the office of .... according to law; and I do further solemnly swear (or affirm) that since the adoption of the present Constitution, I, being a citizen of this State, have not fought a duel with deadly weapons within this State nor out of it, nor have I sent or accepted a challenge to fight a duel with deadly weapons, nor have I acted as second in carrying a challenge, nor aided or assisted any person thus offending, so help me God.

I have a question, though. What about bar fights? (Questioner receives hard glare, backs out of the room.)