Introduction:
Laws are meant to maintain social order and ensure that justice prevails for all. However, some laws are merely ridiculous and senseless that have long outlasted their usefulness. Here are some examples of crazy and absurd laws that are still in existence worldwide.
Outdated Laws:
Many countries have laws that are incredibly antiquated and make no sense in modern times. For instance, in France, it’s illegal to name a pig Napoleon. The law stems from the days when Napoleon was a reigning emperor, and it was considered offensive to name a pig after him. Similarly, a law in Victoria, Australia, prohibits men from changing their outfits inside a police station unless they have a “reasonable excuse.” This rule is a relic from more than 70 years ago when only police officers were authorized to change clothes inside the building.
Unique Laws:
Some laws are quite distinct and set the countries apart. In Thailand, it’s legally forbidden to step on money. Thais consider their currency too informative of their nation’s heritage and take offense at people stepping on it. In the United Kingdom, it’s an offense to sell matches to minors. The law was established in the 19th century to prevent young children from accidents involving fire.
Animal Laws:
Animals, too, have their own unusual laws in place. In San Francisco, it’s illegal to feed or water animals at bus stops. The rule existed to combat any lingering unpleasant smells, which could be due to animals near the bus stops. In Denmark, it’s compulsory to check under your vehicle before driving it to ensure no cat is hiding beneath. The law was introduced after several mishaps that resulted in the death of cats and kittens.
Food-related Laws:
Some laws surrounding food are an utter surprise, and it’s hard to imagine why they exist. In Italy, it’s illegal to eat or drink near a church or monument. Anyone looking to indulge their thirst or hunger should move beyond 200 meters of the structure. In Singapore, it’s against the law to chew gum, sell it or import it. In 1992, chewing gum was banned in Singapore to keep the streets clean, and the government has since banned the import and sale of gum.
Conclusion:
These laws have been in existence for quite some time and have brought some laughter and wonder to the world. It’s vital to remember, however, that laws must be reviewed, updated, and amended to ensure they keep up with changing times, cultures, morals, and ethical values. Some laws may have served a purpose in the past but may not be relevant in the present day. Therefore, it’s best if these crazy laws are re-evaluated to maintain a balanced and harmonious society.
In America and abroad many laws exist within state and national constitutions that are many times outdated, circumstantial, or just plain ridiculous. Many of these laws were written during a time when life was a lot simpler. A law that existed in the nineteen twenties or even earlier, does not apply to society today. Since life has become increasingly complex, these crazy laws are very rarely used in a court of law. Crazy laws without relevance today are rarely used and are often very miscellaneous in nature.
In Salt Lake County Utah it is illegal to carry a violin in a paper bag.
In Florida it is illegal to fart in public after six o’clock in the evening on Sundays
In Massachusetts it is illegal to go to bed without bathing, however, in the same state, law prohibits bathing on Sundays
In New York when a person jumps off a building it is against the law and they are sentenced to death.
In Alabama it is illegal to wear a fake mustache to make people laugh in church.
In Alabama it illegal to throw salt on railroad tracks, and death is the penalty.
In Los Angeles courts it is illegal to cry on the stand.
In California it is illegal to bath two babies in the same bath at the same time.
No alcoholic beverage is allowed within five hundred fee of a cash register in a store that sells both alcohol and gasoline in California.
In Saratoga, Florida no citizen can sing and wear a swimsuit at the same time.
In Illinois it is illegal to walk around without one dollar on them. If a citizens does not have at least one dollar in their possession, they will be charged with vagrancy.
In Kentucky every citizen is required to take a shower once a year.
In Louisiana a woman’s’ husband has to wave a flag in front of her car before she can drive it anywhere.
Crazy laws in Indiana prohibit gossiping, and talking bad about others behind their back. Additionally, anyone (14 and under) who curses, damns, or swears by the name of GOD, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Ghost, are fined two to three dollars per offense. They will also be charged a maximum fine of ten dollars a day.
Some Crazy laws regarding indecent exposure are often outdated and irrelevant.
In Bozeman, Montana it is illegal to have sex in your front lawn after sundown.
In Devon, Texas the law prohibits anyone from making furniture while in the nude.
In Florida a man wearing a strapless dress, is breaking the law.
In Arizona no one can take pictures before twelve o’clock on Sunday afternoons
In Florida oral sex is illegal.
In Minnesota it is illegal for a human to have sex with a fish.
In Tennessee it is illegal for any woman to call a man for a date.
In Montana it is illegal for a woman to wear a corset.
In Massachusetts it is illegal to have sex with a rodeo clown.
In Utah a person can have sex with an animal as long as it is not for cash.
In Kentucky all nude people in a household must be registered with the state.
In Washington, a law prohibits anyone from having sex with a virgin under any circumstances, including the wedding night. Another law in Somoa prohibits a husband forgetting his wife’s birthday.
Crazy laws often echo the past and were only relevant in times before the industrial revolution.
In San Fransisco it is illegal to pile horse manure higher than six feet on a street corner.
Additionally, in Wilbur, Washington it is illegal to ride an ugly horse.
In Oklahoma a citizen can get arrested for making ugly faces at a dog
In Arizona a man may not beat is wife more than once a month.
In Tuscan women may not wear pants.
In Arkansas is illegal for any women teachers who “bob” their hair to get a raise.
In California, bathhouses are against the law.
In Blythe a citizen cannot wear cowboy boots unless they own two cows.
In Denver it is illegal to fly over any body of water unless carrying large supplies of food and water.
It is illegal to say “O Boy” in Jonesboro, Georgia.
Crazy laws in Georgia say it is illegal to cut off a chicken’s head on Sundays, and also walk down the Broadway street with chickens held upside down by their feet. Additionally, it is illegal to eat a chicken with anything other than a persons hands.
Crazy laws exist regarding driving in different states, that are very outdated.
In California it is illegal for a car without a driver to be going over sixty miles per hour.
In Tennessee it is against the law to drive while sleeping.
In Alabama it is illegal to drive while barefoot.
Car dealers may not sell cars on Sundays in Colorado.
In Long Beach cars are the only items allowed in the garage.
In Georgia members of the state assembly cannot get ticketed for speeding when the state assembly is in session.
In Illinois it is illegal to enter the state before contacting the police.
In Indiana it is illegal to pass a horse on the street.
Crazy driving laws in Idaho prohibit a police officer from walking up to a vehicle when he suspects that the occupants are having sex. He must honk three times and flash his lights before approaching the car. If the police officer fails to do this, any charge given to the occupants is null and void.
Crazy laws exist in every state, for many different reasons. Some other crazy laws are off the books for good and do not apply apply to state law. In most states, when police officers try to force these and other crazy laws on people, the decision is appealed due to the lack of relevance that the law has on the situation.
