Criminal Defense - Strange But True Laws

Most Americans have a general understanding of what a crime is, and what actions can get them in trouble. However, there are a host of "strange but true" laws which exist in states, cities, and towns across America which may come as a shock to most people. While some of these laws have been taken off the books, and are therefore no longer considered a crime, in other cases, these laws remain in statutes or codes, but have laid dormant and have not been enforced for years. By all means, the following are intended to be only a representative sample of strange laws . . . there are plenty more of them out there, so be on your guard!

• It is against the law to hunt for camels in Arizona.
• If you slap a man on the back in Georgia, you have broken the law.
• In Detroit, Michigan, it is against the law to sit in the middle of a street to read a newspaper.
• Boston, Massachusetts, once had a law which made it illegal to bathe more than one time per week.
• Dancing cheek-to-cheek is prohibited in Compton, California.
• In Oklahoma, you can be fined, arrested, or jailed for making ugly faces at a dog.
• In Memphis, Tennessee, it is against the law to sell teddy bears or yo-yo's on Sundays.
• A state law in South Carolina forbids people from crawling in public sewers without a permit.
• In Wyoming, women are required to stand five feet away from the bar while drinking.
• In Lake Charles, Louisiana, you can get into trouble if you allow a rain puddle to remain in your yard for more than twelve hours.
• You may not use a mule while hunting for ducks in Kansas.
• If you use a bean-shooter in Arkansas, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
• At one time in Kansas, it was against the law for restaurants to serve cherry pie with ice cream.
• In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle.
• A Connecticut law prohibits people from walking across a street on their hands.
• Men in Florida are prohibited from being seen in public in any type of strapless gown.
• In Iowa, kisses may last for as much as, but no longer than, five minutes.
• Mourners at a wake in Massachusetts may eat no more than three sandwiches apiece.
• Beer and pretzels may not be served at the same time in any restaurant or bar in North Dakota.
• In Florida, beauty shop patrons, as well as the shop owner, can be fined if they fall asleep under a hair dryer.
• It is against the law to lasso a catfish in Tennessee.
• In King County, Washington, it is illegal for any woman to sit on a man's lap on a bus unless they are married.

Disclaimer

This publication and the information included in it are not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation with an attorney. Specific legal issues, concerns and conditions always require the advice of appropriate legal professionals.