| Summary: No legal system can protect its citizens from having dumb laws passed. Stupid laws abound in nearly every state, and there are also some pretty stupid laws in other countries. |
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We always hear about laws on the news, usually as they pertain to specific cases. But did you know that there are some dumb laws - some stupid laws that are so ridiculous - you could hardly believe they were ever on the books to begin with? And even though some of these laws are no longer in effect, they’ve become lasting reminders of some of the more unusual things lawmakers have come up with.
Playing dominoes? Have you checked the calendar? In Alabama, a law stated that it is illegal to play dominoes on a Sunday. California guarantees sunshine to the masses, but a woman is not allowed to drive in a housecoat. Women in Florida may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer. Florida also makes it illegal for men to be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown - something that a lot of people may be quite thankful for!
While in Kansas, please refrain from shooting rabbits from a motorboat - this is illegal. Liquor stores in Indiana looking to extend their business to teatotalling customers may find themselves out of luck - it’s illegal for them to sell soft drinks or milk. In the state of Michigan, watch your language! You may not swear in front of women and children. In New York, a license must be purchased before hanging clothes on a clothesline, and just in case you didn’t know - the penalty for jumping off of a building is death.
North Dakota residents beware - it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on! While in Ohio, watch your whale fishing - it is illegal to fish for whales on Sunday. Are there even whales in Ohio? Drivers in Texas - where are your windshield wipers? You don’t need a windshield, but it is illegal to drive without the wipers! And while you’re at it, it is illegal to milk another person’s cow. Texas criminals must also give their intended victims twenty-four hours’ notice, either orally or written, to explain the nature of the crime to be committed. Criminals aren’t exactly known to uphold the law in the first place!
It isn’t just the United States with unusual and hilarious laws. In Australia, it is illegal for children to purchase cigarettes, but not to smoke them. Tarot and other forms of psychic readings are illegal as well, as these are considered forms of witchcraft. English television viewers wishing to use a television must first apply for a license. It is also illegal in England to leave baggage unattended. And should you pick up abandoned baggage in England, you’re also breaking the law. In France, between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM, seventy percent of the music played on the radio must be composed by French composers. In Thailand, it is illegal to leave the house without wearing underwear, and in order to drive a car, you must wear a shirt. And don’t you dare throw chewed bubble gum on the sidewalk. If you’re caught, it is a $600 fine. You can be jailed if this fine is not paid.
There are so many other ridiculous laws that were once on the books - and some that still are! It certainly makes one want to look over all the laws in their state! You could be breaking the law and not even know it!
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