2006-12-20 14:28:48 · 7 answers · asked by Kissmy b 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Yes, legislatures too often pass laws just to make it seem like they are doing something.
2006-12-20 14:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by jsb3t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, we do, because we have old "blue laws" in certain parts of the country that are quite old, and are never enforced. Let me list some recent examples that were either repealed recently, or are still on the books:
(1) In Massachusetts, it used to be illegal to walk more than 47 steps on the Sabbath.
(2) In California, in 1973, it was still illegal for a man and woman to ride together in a car, if the woman was under 18 years old, and had her shoes off, and the man was over 18 years old. He would be guilty of statutory rape, if it were to be enforced.
(3) There are still laws on the books today in Massachusetts, restricting the hours that a store can be open on Sundays or Holidays without a permit, but because enforcement is up to the local police, there are communities where it is accepted practice to have extended hours by local agreement. Although it is in defiance of the state law, according to a recent news article on a major network, there was no penalty that could be assessed to the local police for choosing not to enforce it.
These and other similar examples prove that yes, indeed, you are correct that there are too many laws on the books!
2006-12-20 22:47:39 · answer #2 · answered by Asking&Receiving 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many laws but these must be within the Constitution. Thus, there is no confusion because the general law is followed when it is in conflict with the many special laws.
2006-12-20 22:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What country are you talking about? The United States of Mexico?
2006-12-20 22:32:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, I think it should be legal to curse inside the city limits of Baltimore.
2006-12-20 22:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not as long as we still have illegal drugs, rapes, murders, illegal aliens, tax evaders, abusers etc
2006-12-20 22:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by rocketscientist 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, like this list of stupid laws...
In Ottumwa, Iowa, "It is unlawful for any male person, within the corporate limits of the (city), to wink at any female person with whom he is unacquainted."
In Los Angeles, you cannot bathe two babies in the same tub at the same time.
In Zion, Ill., it is illegal for anyone to give lighted cigars to dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals kept as pets.
In Carmel, N.Y., a man can't go outside while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match. << Note: this law isn't silly. Write your legislators today and get this PASSED in your area now!!>>
In St. Louis, it's illegal to sit on the curb of any city street and drink beer from a bucket.
In Hartford, Conn., you aren't allowed to cross a street while walking on your hands.
In Baltimore, it's illegal to throw bales of hay from a second-story window within the city limits. It's also illegal to take a lion to the movies.
In Oxford, Ohio, it's illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man's picture.
In Carrizozo, N.M., it's forbidden for a female to appear unshaven in public (includes legs and face).
In Pennsylvania it is illegal to have over 16 women live in a house together because that constitutes a brothel...however up to 120 men can live together, without breaking the law.
In Michigan, a woman isn't allowed to cut her own hair without her husband's permission.
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printed in the local paper....
In New York, it is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun.
The state of Washington has passed a law stating it is illegal, I repeat, illegal, to paint polka dots on the American flag.
In order for a pickle to officially be considered a pickle in Connecticut, it must bounce.
To keep any of the incarcerated beast from picking up bad habits, the town of Manville , NJ decreed that it is illegal to feed whiskey or offer cigarettes to animals at the local zoo.
If you sell hollow logs in Tennessee, you are breaking the law.
Compulsive gamblers stay out of Richmond, VA: it is even illegal to flip a coin in a restaurant to see who pays for the coffee.
Have it your way, but don't share it in OK. This state forbids a person from taking a bite out of another person's hamburger.
Need a radio on Sunday? In Spokane, WA, you can buy one on the Sabbath, but forget about purchasing a television!
In the state of New York, you need a license to use a clothesline outdoors.
What happens to doughnut holes? Well, they won't be found in Lehigh NE. Selling doughnut holes in this city is verboten.
And if any retirees from the circus are thinking about settling down and farming in NC, they are forwarned right here and now that it is against the law in this state to use elephants to plow cotton fields!
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It is illegal to take more than 2 baths a month within Boston confines.
Two people cannot kiss in front of a church.
All Public Displays of Affection (PDAs) are forbidden on Sunday.
Pedestrians always have the right of way.
Anyone may let their sheep and cows graze in the public gardens/commons at any time except Sundays.
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In Calgary there is a by-law that is still on the books that requires businesses within the city to provide rails for tying up horses.
In the England it is illegal to sell most goods on a Sunday, (this law is mostly ignored), it is however legal to sell a carrot. It is also legal to sell it at any price and to give free gifts with it, such as anything else one might want to buy on a Sunday!
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Pennsylvania:
In certain sections of Pennsylvania many years ago, the Farmer's Anti-Automobile society set up some "rules of the road." In effect, they said:
1. "Automobiles travelling on country roads at night must send up a rocket every mile, then wait ten minutes for the road to clear."
2. "If a driver sees a team of horses, he is to pull to one side of the road and cover his machine with a blanket or dust cover that has been painted to blend into the scenery."
3. "In the event that a horse refuses to pass a car on the road, the owner must take his car apart and conceal the parts in the bushes."
Utah:
It is against the law to fish from horseback.
Ohio:
In Bexley, Ordinance number 223, of 09/09/19 prohibits the installation and usage of slot machines in outhouses.
Indiana:
Back in 1924, a monkey was convicted in South Bend of the crime of smoking a cigarette and sentenced to pay a 25 dollar fine and the trial costs.
Kansas:
No one may catch fish with his bare hands in Kansas.
California:
In 1930, the City Council of Ontario passed an ordinance forbidding roosters to crow within the city limits.
Oklahoma:
Harthahorne City Ordinance, Section 363, states that it shall be unlawful to put any hypnotized person in a display window.
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These excerpts are from the book "Loony Laws" by Robert Pelton (Walker; $8.95) Enjoy!
In Clawson, Mich., there is a law that makes it LEGAL for a farmer to sleep with his pigs, cows, horses, goats, and chickens.
In Gary, Ind., persons are prohibited from attending a movie house or other theater and from riding a public streetcar within four hours of eating garlic.
In Miami, it's illegal for men to be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.
In Detroit, couples are banned from making love in an automobile unless the act takes place while the vehicle is parked on the couple's own property.
In Harford, Conn., you aren't allowed to cross a street while walking on your hands.
In Nicholas County, W. Va., no member of the clergy is allowed to tell jokes or humorous stories from the pulpit during a church service.
In California, animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school, or place of worship.
In Los Angeles, a man is legally entitled to beat his wife with a leather belt or strap, but the belt can't be wider than 2 inches, unless he has his wife's consent to beat her with a wider strap.
In Kentucky, "No female shall appear in a bathing suit on any highway within this state unless she be escorted by at least two officers or unless she be armed with a club"
An amendment to the above legislation: "The provisions of this statuate shall not apply to females weighing less than 90 pounds nor exceeding 200 pounds, nor shall it apply to female horses."
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In Grand Haven, Michigan, no person shall throw an abandoned hoop skirt into any street or on any sidewalk, under penalty of a five- dollar fine for each offense.
In Russell, Kansas, it is against the law to have a musical car horn.
A Glendale, California, ordinance permits horror films to be shown only on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays.
Cicero, Illinois, prohibits humming on public streets on Sundays.
Hunting with a rifle is permitted in Norfolk County, Virgina - provided that the hunter is fifteen feet off the ground.
You may water your lawn on Staten Island, New York, provided that you hold the hose in your hand while doing so; but to lay a hose on the lawn or to use a sprinkler for watering your lawn is unlawful.
Clinton County, Ohio, calls for a fine for anyone caught leaning against a public building.
Loins may not be taken to the theater in Maryland.
Abilene, Texas, makes it illegal to idle or loiter anyplace within the corporate limits of the city for the purpose of flirting or mashing.
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From kralickr @ interlynx.net Thu Feb 29 02:50:57 1996
Subject: funny laws
I'm not sure which jurisdiction in TX (I think it was Waco, but I can't be sure):
It is illegal to walk around with a concealed ice cream cone.
Rich
Ontario, Canada
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From bholton @ ix.netcom.com Thu Feb 29 21:17:25 1996
Subject: Stupid Laws
I just was wondering if you wouldn't mind a few more law additions to your Stupid Laws file. IIRC these laws are still on the books.
In Carmel, CA, it is illegal to eat ice cream while standing on the side walk.
In Prunedale, CA, it is illegal to have two indoor bathtubs in your house.
2006-12-20 22:32:46 · answer #7 · answered by ur a Dee Dee Dee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋