12 Sep 5 Weird and Outdated Laws in the US
Article III of the US Constitution lays out the legal powers and boundaries of the Judicial Branch of our Government, permitting them to make sensible laws to protect and defend the American people and society. As our nation evolves, however, some of these statutes have simply become strange and archaic. As a criminal defense law firm in Chandler, AZ, we’ve made a list of the most bizarre, outdated laws in the US that are still on the books. They will certainly make you scratch your head in bewilderment!
1. In Minnesota, you can’t chase a greased pig.
We have a good feeling no one does this anymore, but it’s on the books for good reason. It was common back in the day to oil up your backyard potbelly and have a little contest over who could catch him. We’re glad this one is illegal.
2. In Alaska, an intoxicated person may not enter a bar.
Sure, most restaurants suggest that bartenders stop serving patrons who look like they’ve had too much to drink. But in Alaska, bar hopping is actually illegal–well, entering a bar drunk anyhow.
3. In Arizona, you need a permit to feed a pig garbage.
According to a real Arizona statute:
- No person shall feed garbage to swine without first obtaining a permit from the associate director. All permits shall be renewed during January of each year.
- This article shall not apply to any person who feeds only his own household garbage to swine that are raised for his own use.
4. In Florida, the penalty for horse theft is hanging.
Although horse theft and murder have been an issue in Florida in the not-so-recent past, no one has actually been hanged. This law, which has been on the books since the 1800s, has not been enforced for over a decade. In 1923, all capital punishments that specified hanging were replaced by the electric chair.
5. In Connecticut, a pickle, by regulation, must bounce when dropped from a foot’s height.
This odd statute was implemented in 1948 by the Connecticut Food and Drug Commissioner after a few sly pickle packers named Sidney Sparer and Moses Dexler were suspected of selling cucumbers and not pickles. They were subsequently arrested and fined when their pickles in question didn’t bounce.
Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix?
While these laws are a bit odd and outdated, if you’re facing a serious criminal charge in Arizona, Todd Coolidge Law Firm has the experience and record your defense needs. Call us today for a free case consultation.