This was called Trial by Ordeal.

The theory was that Providence would protect the innocent.
Trial by Battle .-- Sometimes boys settle their disputes by _fighting_.
This, too, was one of the modes of adjudication prevalent in early times among men.

Trial by Battle was introduced into England by the Normans.

"It was the last and most solemn resort to try titles to real estate." [Footnote: Dole's Talks about Law, p.

53.] The duel remained until recently, and indeed yet remains in some countries, as a reminder of that time.