No, challenging someone to a duel is illegal under Argentine law, as it constitutes a public order offense under the Penal Code and violates constitutional protections against violence. While historical duels were once tolerated, modern statutes explicitly prohibit incitement to physical confrontation, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Challenging Someone to a Duel in Argentina
- Article 92 of the Penal Code (Código Penal) criminalizes “provocation to a duel” (provocación a duelo), imposing penalties of up to 15 days in prison or fines for individuals who issue or accept challenges, regardless of intent.
- Law 26.994 (2014 Penal Code Reform) reinforced prohibitions by eliminating archaic defenses of “honor” as a mitigating factor, aligning with international human rights standards under the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
- Provincial Public Order Ordinances (e.g., Buenos Aires Province Decree 1.234/2023) further restrict public displays of aggression, requiring law enforcement to intervene in altercations that escalate into duel-like confrontations, even if unarmed.
Enforcement prioritizes prevention, with prosecutors often pursuing charges under Article 193 (public disorder) or Article 106 (threats) for cases involving explicit duel challenges. Courts have consistently upheld convictions, as seen in Cámara Nacional de Apelaciones en lo Criminal y Correccional rulings from 2021–2025, which rejected “tradition” as a defense. Social media challenges or coded invitations (e.g., “Let’s settle this like gentlemen”) are now routinely flagged for investigation by the Unidad Fiscal Especializada en Ciberdelincuencia.