SERIOUSLY STILL THE LAW IN AMERICA?
Once upon a time in America, there was a quirky television show called That’s Incredible. The show examined some of the more bizarre elements of American culture. The show should have delved into the oddest laws still on the books in the United States. Here, we explore the question: Are these seriously still the law???
Cyberspace abounds with lists that describe the strangest laws in America. Are the laws real or just a funny joke played by a hip online prankster? The answer is somewhere in between. Although there is not a law in Maryland that forbids you from taking a lion to the movies, there is a law in Texas that you are prohibited from selling one or both of your eyes.
Who doesn’t want to take a nice warm fluffy lion to the movies or sell an eye if times get tough? According to our crack research at Tryk Law, PC in Fresno, the following is an odd list of laws still on books.
Every state has numerous laws on the books that are considered strange. Why the laws still exist is a matter of intense conjecture. Perhaps the statutes have become lost on dusty bookshelves found in antiquated state capital storerooms or maybe there are a few historians around that enjoy funny jokes told at the expense of the oddest laws still on the books in America.
Let’s look at a few of these strange laws that if you are found breaking, you may have the book thrown at you!
Impersonating a Member of the Clergy (Roll Tide)
Once a year, the State of Alabama splits down the middle in favor of either the Auburn Tigers or Alabama Crimsons Tide. The annual Iron Bowl stokes the flames of school pride, but students and alumni from both schools agree on one thing: The law that prohibits the impersonation of a member of the clergy is downright absurd. If you are caught dressed like the Pope, you face a fine up to $500, as well as one less idea of what to dress like for Halloween. Wait, not even for Halloween???
Your Food Will Be Ready When We Say it’s Ready (No Honking)
Section 18-55 of the Little Rock, Arkansas Code of Ordinances states “No person shall sound the horn on a vehicle at any place where cold drinks or sandwiches are served after 9pm.” Customers of pizza parlors and convenience stores rejoice.
Regulating Frog Jumping Contests (Makes Sense)
In California, you can hold as many frog lumping contests as you want, in any town where there are enough crazy people to make it worth your while. However, after the contest is over, you are not allowed to eat any of the participants. If you want to devour a plate of frog’s legs after a frog jumping contest, you have to move to Alaska and deal with that state’s long list of zany laws.
Chicago Police Officer Found Guilty – “The Incident”
