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Bill

SB 1820

Duels; modifying elements of certain offense; establishing certain guidelines for consent as affirmative defense. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Jett

SB 1820 redefines Oklahoma's dueling laws and establishes consent as an affirmative defense for certain combat-related offenses between willing participants.

Coauthored by Senator Murdock
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1820

Legislative bill overview

SB 1820 modifies Oklahoma's laws regarding duels by redefining certain elements of the offense and establishing guidelines for when consent can serve as an affirmative defense. The bill appears to create a legal framework distinguishing between consensual combat scenarios and unlawful dueling, potentially establishing conditions under which participants cannot be prosecuted.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses criminal liability for physical combat between willing participants, which has significant implications for personal autonomy, public safety, and the scope of state authority to prohibit consensual adult activities. The bill's outcome could influence whether Oklahoma recognizes consent as a valid defense in violent confrontations that would otherwise constitute criminal offenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Establishing consent-based defenses for dueling or combat could create loopholes that endanger participants and complicate law enforcement responses to violent incidents
  • Scope of state authority: Fundamental disagreement exists over whether the state can or should prohibit activities between consenting adults, even those involving potential serious injury
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill's specific modifications to "elements of the offense" remain unclear without seeing the full text, raising questions about what conduct would actually be permitted versus prohibited
  • Medical and liability issues: Consent defenses in combat scenarios create complications for emergency medical response, insurance, and civil liability frameworks

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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