Introduction

In centuries past, when gentlemen felt their integrity impuned, their name besmirched, they resorted to a formal duel to satisfy their honor. Not all duels were fought to the death - many were satisfied by drawing the blood of the opponent.

We live in a gentler age - or possibly an even more vicious one. Now dueling lawsuits drain the resources of both parties, often bankrupting one or both, financially and emotionally - a pyrhic victory.

Which method do writers employ when insults are exchanged? The harm is in the words, the remedy is sought there as well. This is the celebration of one such trial.