Wednesday Words – Kentucky State Oath of Office

I was listening to Unsolved Murders:True Crime Stories podcast about the assassinated Kentucky Governor William Goebel.  There they mentioned that the Kentucky State Oath of Office still contains references to dueling that came from Goebel’s duel with Sanford.  So I had to look up the current text.  Do beware if you have been involved in dueling in any manner you are not eligible to hold state office in Kentucky.  Read on to see the oath as it stands today. (oh BTW great podcast follow it fun & entertaining way to learn history)

Oath of officers and attorneys. Section 228 of the Kentucky State Constitution

Members of the General Assembly and all officers, before they enter upon the execution of the duties of their respective offices, and all members of the bar, before they enter upon the practice of their profession, shall take the following oath or affirmation: 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.

Text as Ratified on: August 3, 1891, and revised September 28, 1891.

Now thoughts should it be removed as archaic or kept in as a nod to state history? Being a history buff I love it but what do you think?  The words of our oaths hold meaning does the duel section still hold meaning today?