PART IV. CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES
TITLE I. CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
CHAPTER 272. CRIMES AGAINST CHASTITY, MORALITY, DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER
Chapter 272: Section 36. Blasphemy
Section 36. Whoever wilfully blasphemes the holy name of God by denying, cursing or contumeliously reproaching God, his creation, government or final judging of the world, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching or exposing to contempt and ridicule, the holy word of God contained in the holy scriptures shall be punished by imprisonment in jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars, and may also be bound to good behavior.
2006-12-19 16:58:18 · 9 answers · asked by presidentrichardnixon 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Well, I'll be damned.
2006-12-19 17:00:23 · answer #1 · answered by John L 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most states have laws similar to that. However, they are no longer enforced. If you were to study the law of states, you'd find some very comical ones!
That doesn't really answer your question, though. In reality, I have no idea, but I wouldn't doubt it. With all of your sites (Chapter, etc.), it sounds legit to me! Also, that is Massachusetts, home of the famous Salem Witch Hunts which were a religious movement of the Puritans so it really shouldn't be too shocking.
2006-12-20 01:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is possible. Where did you get the information you posted there? Remember Massachusetts was founded by Puritans. They are more likely to haunt you and drive you to alcoholism than the state is likely to arrest, convict and sentence you these days.
2006-12-20 01:02:54 · answer #3 · answered by Susan M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, sucks to be from Mass.
Curse God in front of a police officer and then take it to the Supreme Court.
2006-12-20 01:01:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Massachsetts is a place I never ever want to visit. You know they charged this mother with manslaughter because her 5 year old daughter was sick. . The mother was a Christian Scientist. (Death by religious exemption).
2006-12-20 03:04:33 · answer #5 · answered by atantatlantis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it could be enforced, it would be. the constitution is clear. the government may make NO law establishing religion or denying the free execise thereof. that law does both and would be thrown out as unconstitutional by any federal, and local court!
2006-12-20 01:02:53 · answer #6 · answered by de bossy one 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Now look up case law and try to see when was the last time anybody was prosecuted for violating that law.
2006-12-20 01:06:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm no authority on Massachusetts law, but my guess is that if it is an actual law it is a very old one. So old that they probably don't even use it any more.
2006-12-20 01:02:41 · answer #8 · answered by waltinaw74 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's very unconstitutional.
2006-12-20 01:01:49 · answer #9 · answered by Raï 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋