America's wackiest laws still on the books
(ARA) - In just about every state, city and town in America, there are crazy, weird and outright goofy laws, regulations and ordinances that are still legally valid, but that no one pays attention to, much less enforces, according to FindLaw.com, the nation's number one online source for free legal information.
Thousands of such laws exist, some dating back to the days of the horse and buggy, which nonetheless remain on the books because nothing has been done to officially repeal them. There are also some laws that remain valid that raise serious questions given the dramatic changes in U.S. society, and what today's citizens consider right and wrong. Of the thousands of crazy, yet still-official laws, here are some of the wackiest, according to FindLaw.com: * In Wisconsin, serving colored oleomargarine or margarine at a public eating establishment, as a substitute for table butter, is prohibited unless it is ordered by the customer. * Atheists are not allowed to hold public office in Tennessee. Under Tennessee's Constitution, "no person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this State." * In South Berwick, Maine, it is illegal to park in front of the Dunkin' Donuts store located on Main Street West, according to Article III, Section 15 of the town's ordinances. * It's illegal to keep, place or store any upholstered couch or chair on the front porch of a house in Boulder, Colo., home of the University of Colorado, according to city ordinance No. 7125, which was enacted in 2002. It's illegal to keep any upholstered furniture in any part of your yard as well. * Baggy pants are illegal in Collinsville, Ill. In July 2011, this suburb of St. Louis enacted a new law banning baggy pants in all public areas of this town of 26,000 residents. According to the new law, pants must be secured to waist to prevent the pants from falling more than three inches below the hips, causing exposure of the person's undergarments. The new law applies only to public property, such as schools and parks. Violators will be fined $100 and be required to perform community service for the first offense, and $300 and community service for subsequent offenses. * Louisiana may have one of the most rigorous processes in the nation to become a...florist. A retail florist license is required to arrange and sell floral designs, cut flowers and ornamental plants. The licensing process includes a 45-minute written exam. In 2010, the Louisiana legislature eliminated the 4-hour, hands-on floral design portion of the process after considerable pressure from unlicensed florists. * In 1992, New York's Supreme Court ruled in favor of two female defendants in People v. Ramona Santorelli and Mary Lou Schloss, which established that women could go topless in public in New York State, just like men can. * In University City, Mo., according to city ordinance 9.28.060, it's unlawful to conduct a yard or garage sale in the front of a building. * Under the miscellaneous section of its city code, the town of Dyersburg, Tenn. prohibits giving an animal or bird tobacco, alcohol or another known noxious substance in city parks. * In Kentucky, it's illegal to sell, exchange, display or possess living baby chicks, ducklings or rabbits that have been dyed or colored. Violating this law can lead to a fine of up to $500. * North Dakota and Wisconsin have banned the forced implantation of microchips in humans. A number of other states are considering similar laws to protect the privacy rights of individuals. |
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