#1
Some laws are beyond bizarre and end up sounding utterly hilarious. For example, Birmingham University notes that in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to handle “salmon in suspicious circumstances,” as per Section 32 of the Salmon Act of 1986.
Meanwhile, the Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act of 1906 prohibits you from dressing up as a member of the naval, military, and marine forces. So, you technically wouldn’t be able to wear those clothes to a fancy dress party.
The 1839 Metropolitan Police Act makes it illegal to “wilfully and wantonly disturb any inhabitant by pulling or ringing any doorbell or knocking at any door without lawful excuse.” Nor are you allowed to use “any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare.”
Even weirder, Section 12 of the Licensing Act of 1872 prohibits you from being drunk inside a pub. “Every person found drunk in any highway or other public place, whether a building or not, or on any licensed premises” could get a fine.
#2
Technically they could get into pretty major trouble (fines & jail time) but it’s generally overlooked if you’re not selling them.
#3
We reached out to the person behind the online thread, redditor u/solitary_black_sheep. They shared a few thoughts about illogical laws, as well as the virality of online content.
“I don’t think it’s possible to have perfect laws in general,” the internet user told Bored Panda.
“There will always be some strange ones due to historical reasons, strange precedences, unfortunate phrasing, etc.”
They said that they read many interesting answers. “There were many interesting illegal things that overall showed some holes in legal systems of different countries.”
#4
Alberta is one of the few places that is rat-free and they want to keep it that way.
However, the OP felt a bit surprised by how many people mentioned “various kinds of [psychedelic substances].”
“For me, trying to limit [these substances] makes sense and it’s not normal to own them.”
According to the author, they were surprised by how many people responded to their question online. “I’m happy that so many people found the question interesting,” they said.
They opened up to us that initially the thread and the question were a social experiment of sorts. They wanted to see if they’d be able to create a popular post. The main thing driving the OP? “Just curiosity.”
Redditor u/solitary_black_sheep said that they felt inspired by similar questions that they had seen online. However, they didn’t want to just copy them. Instead, they added a unique twist to make the question unique.
#7
#8
You are allowed to buy it, but you're not allowed to use it.
Before the legalisation of cannabis you were allowed to buy seeds.
On each pack was a sticker stating, "You are, by law, not allowed to put the contents in soil and water it."
Germany.
#9
Edit: if you are part of the Jordanian Astronomy association, you can get a permit to import one, otherwise it's forbidden to prevent people from spying.
Most countries have at least a few glaring irregularities in their legal systems. The more you learn about them, the more flaws and inconsistencies you can spot. Some mistakes come down to human error. Others are the byproduct of ancient traditions and anachronistic mores that no longer fit the spirit of the age. While others still are left to be ignored because changing them would not be worth all the trouble.
Overhauling a country’s entire legal system to be consistent, logical, fair and also reflective of the norms and mores of today’s society would be a monumental task. Then factor in the fact that social norms shift and change over time and you realize that you have to constantly update your laws. Realistically, some bizarre (il)legalities will fall between the cracks. And then you’re back where you started, wondering why it’s illegal to own something basic.
#10
#11
Sounds legit and reasonable, except that you can vote, get married, have babies and leave home when you're 16.
Had to "break the law" to buy someone some kitchen knives and scissors last week because they couldn't cook anything without them!!
#12
What are the most peculiar laws that you know that are still in effect in your home country, dear Pandas? Are they still relevant or does everyone ignore them?
Do you think that a perfectly logical, constantly updated, and just legal system is attainable or feasible? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Scroll down to the comments and let us know what you think.
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#19
This is technically a violation of the Trading With the Enemy Act and punishable by up to $50k in fines per cigar, but it’s not generally enforced unless customs think you’re bringing them back to sell.
IMO they’re not that great. Certainly not bad, but not worth the hype they get. Dominican cigars have majorly passed them in quality.