Pickles Must Bounce… and 19 Other Bizarre US Laws
The United States is known for its diverse culture, vast landscapes, and varied state laws. While many laws serve a critical purpose in maintaining order, some are so peculiar or outdated that they raise eyebrows. Here are ten examples of bizarre, ridiculous, or simply amusing laws in the U.S., illustrating the quirks of legal history and governance.
1. Arizona: Parents Can Authorize Tattoos for Minors
In Arizona, minors under 18 can receive tattoos if their parents or guardians give written consent. While the idea of parental oversight seems reasonable, this law technically allows parents to approve tattoos for very young children. Imagine a nine-year-old sporting a sleeve tattoo with their parents’ blessing—legal, but undeniably odd.
2. Alabama: No Bear Wrestling
In Alabama, bear wrestling matches are strictly prohibited. This law, passed to prevent animal cruelty, sounds reasonable until you consider the sheer absurdity of organized bear wrestling being enough of an issue to warrant legislation. It’s hard to imagine this as a frequent pastime in modern times.
3. California: Frogs Cannot Die in Frog-Jumping Contests
California’s fascination with frog-jumping contests, popularized by Mark Twain’s story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” has led to a law that, frankly, doesn’t even make sense. Read this: “Citation: Cal. Fish & Game Code § 6882. Any person may possess any number of live frogs to use in frog-jumping contests, but if such a frog dies or is killed, it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose.”
While protecting frogs is admirable, the very confusing language of this law makes it a standout in the realm of the ridiculous.
4. Connecticut: Pickles Must Bounce to Be Sold
In Connecticut, for a pickle to be legally sold, it must bounce. Or at least that is what most people think. A state law librarian reported: “In a 1948 article concerning the arrest of pickle packers Sidney Sparer and Moses Dexler for selling pickles ‘unfit for human consumption,’ Connecticut Food and Drug Commissioner Frederick Holcomb discussed ways to check for good pickles. In addition to the laboratory tests used to examine the Spareway pickles, he told reporters that you could also ‘drop it one foot and it should bounce.’ The pickles in question did not. Sparer was arrested, paid a fine of $500 (the maximum allowed by law) and the pickles were destroyed.”
This law dates back to the 1940s when vendors were caught selling subpar pickles. To test their quality, officials decided that a properly made pickle should bounce when dropped from a certain height. The result? An official pickle-bounce test.
5. Florida: No Selling Children
In Florida, it is explicitly illegal to sell your children. While this law addresses a serious issue, its existence raises the question of why such a law needed to be written down in the first place. Thankfully, most people wouldn’t consider this in any context, making the law’s necessity a bit unsettling.
6. Georgia: You Cannot Eat Fried Chicken with a Fork
In Gainesville, Georgia, eating fried chicken with anything other than your hands is technically illegal. This law was introduced as a publicity stunt to promote Gainesville’s reputation as the “Poultry Capital of the World.” While rarely enforced, it’s a quirky reminder of how laws can sometimes serve humorous or symbolic purposes.
7. Hawaii: No Coins in Ears
In Hawaii, it’s illegal to place coins in your ears. This unusual prohibition likely stems from a traditional Hawaiian practice or superstition, though its relevance in modern times is questionable. It’s a law that leaves many scratching their heads (or ears).
8. Illinois: No Fancy Bike Riding
In Galesburg, Illinois, it’s illegal to perform “fancy riding” on a bicycle. This includes activities like riding without hands on the handlebars or performing stunts. While aimed at ensuring public safety, it’s amusing to think about a city official watching for “fancy” cyclists breaking the law.
9. Indiana: Mustaches and Kisses Don’t Mix
In Indiana, it is illegal for a man with a mustache to “habitually kiss human beings.” This law’s origins are unclear but may relate to concerns about hygiene or public decency. Regardless, it’s a strange restriction that no longer aligns with contemporary norms.
10. Kentucky: No Ice Cream Cones in Your Pocket
Kentucky’s law against carrying ice cream cones in your pocket is a head-scratcher. The origin of this law dates back to horse theft; thieves would lure horses away using the ice cream cone as bait. Today, it’s an amusing relic of a bygone era.
11. Massachusetts: No Exploding Golf Balls
In Massachusetts, selling exploding golf balls is against the law. While this may seem like common sense, it’s likely a response to pranks gone wrong. Golfers in the Bay State can now play their rounds without fear of unexpected explosions.
12. Minnesota: No Greasing Pig Contests
In Minnesota, it’s illegal to participate in or organize greased pig contests. This law aims to prevent cruelty to animals, though the sheer concept of such contests being common enough to legislate is bizarre.
13. Montana: No Guiding Sheep into Town
In Montana, it’s illegal to lead sheep onto a railroad track intending to disrupt the train schedule. While safety and livestock protection are valid concerns, the specificity of this law—and the mental image it conjures—make it a memorable oddity.
14. Nevada: No Camels on Highways
Nevada’s prohibition on camels using highways dates back to the 19th century when camels were used as pack animals in the desert. Though camels are no longer a common sight, the law remains a humorous nod to the state’s history.
15. New Jersey: Don’t Don That Bulletproof Vest
In New Jersey, it is illegal to wear a bulletproof vest during a violent crime. We are scratching our heads, because, if we were a criminal, wouldn’t that be when we would want to wear this protection? Anyway, It is illegal to wear a bulletproof vest while committing a criminal act such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, and other violent crimes.
16. Oklahoma: No Making Ugly Faces at Dogs
In Oklahoma, it’s illegal to make “ugly faces” at dogs. This law, intended to protect animals from unnecessary harassment, is both amusing and puzzling. How does one define an “ugly face,” and how is it enforced?
17. Texas: No Sitting on Sidewalks
In Texas, some cities have laws prohibiting sitting on sidewalks. Designed to address loitering and safety concerns, this law can seem overly strict when applied to innocent activities like taking a break during a long walk.
18. Alaska: Please Do Not Give Alcohol To Moose
In another ones of those, does it really need to be said situations, it is indeed illegal to give alcohol to a moose in Alaska. We would suggest you do not give alcohol to a moose no matter where you are.
Conclusion
These unusual laws showcase the quirky and sometimes outdated aspects of the U.S. legal system. Many of these statutes remain on the books despite being irrelevant or unenforced, serving as a testament to the evolving nature of society. Whether they provoke laughter or disbelief, they remind us of the complexity and diversity of laws across the nation.
Women Cannot Finalize A Divorce In Missouri If Pregnant
In the state of Missouri, the existing legal framework prohibits judges from officially concluding a divorce proceeding when a woman is pregnant, a stance mirrored in three other states: Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas. While a pregnant woman retains the right to initiate divorce proceedings in Missouri, the court is compelled to defer final decisions on child custody and support until after the birth.
READ: Women Cannot Finalize A Divorce In Missouri If Pregnant
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