Earlier, in her debate with Ivanhoe, Rebecca expressed doubt in the value of chivalry, claiming that it encouraged violence and domination rather than virtue. Her experiences with Sir Brian tend to confirm this belief. And the fact that she can demand a champion to decide her fate and overrule any ostensible justice a trial might provide also raises questions about Norman customs. But when her appeal to Brian’s sense of nobility and obligation fails, she can only ask for the question to be settled with violence. The theory of judicial combat is that God will favor the knight fighting for the side of right and truth, therefore allowing him to win.