Many readers seemed to enjoy the “Dumb Laws” article I wrote last quarter, so I thought that I would have a follow up article with laws that are still on the books in the U.S. These laws are still in our system even though they seem extremely ridiculous or even unnecessary, but, for whatever reason, they just have not been taken off the books yet. Either way, they are funny to read, and here are some more that most everyone should enjoy.
Alabama: Dominoes may not be played on Sunday.
Alaska: While it is legal to shoot bears, waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph is prohibited.
Arizona: When being attacked by a criminal or burglar, you may only protect yourself with the same weapon that the other person possesses.
Connecticut: Town records may not be kept where liquor is sold.
Georgia: Donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs.
Iowa: A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public.
Louisiana: Stealing an alligator could land a person in jail for 10 years.
Minnesota: A person may not cross state lines with a duck atop his head.
Montana: It is a misdemeanor to show movies that depict acts of felonious crime.
New Hampshire: On Sundays citizens may not relieve themselves while looking up.
New Mexico: Idiots may not vote. (How do we determine who is an idiot?)
North Carolina: Elephants may not be used to plow cotton fields.
South Dakota: If there are more than five Native Americans on your property, you may shoot them.
Texas: It is illegal to sell one’s eye.
Utah: It is illegal to detonate any nuclear weapon. You can have them, but you just can’t detonate them.
Wyoming: It is illegal for women to stand within five feet of a bar while drinking.