20 Outdated, Unfair, or Just Plain Stupid Laws That People Have Shared
For laws to remain relevant, they should be reformed to conform to present society.
Laws are important for maintaining a civilized society as they serve as a norm for the conduct of its citizens. But are all laws just and fair?
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Are there such things as stupid laws? What about outdated laws?
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Since time immemorial, the first governments we had in the past enacted laws, but as time progresses, are those laws still relevant? Are these laws constantly updated?
Laws should be updated as time changes to remain relevant and make sense. So what makes a good law? It should be something that is not obsolete, of course.
Here is a list of laws that people have identified as outdated, unfair, and plain stupid, and they have complained about these. Unless people complain, there can be little change in these edicts because, with a huge pile of laws before us, who bothers to update them unless confronted with a particular situation that calls for it?
Change in community values is one reason why laws should be changed. They should reflect the current beliefs and values of society.
So check these out and tell us what your favorites are, which of these have caught your attention, as well as your reactions.
Forfeiture of Civil Assets
Law enforcement can seize money or property on suspicion of it being connected to criminal activity. It’s then your responsibility to prove that it’s not illegal, which requires paying a lawyer, going to court, etc., which can often cost more than the seized property. As financial expert Liz Weston notes, "The burden of proof is often placed on the individual, making it a costly and stressful process." For more insights on financial rights and responsibilities, visit Liz Weston.Delaware People Love Bingo!
In the Delaware state constitution, there is an entire section on how to legally run a bingo game. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes, "Games like bingo foster community and connection, especially among older adults." It's essential to let everyone enjoy these activities without unnecessary restrictions. Just let the grandmas play bingo in peace!Just When You Thought That Solar Power Is Free
In my state, our public service commission approved an additional fee on power bills for homeowners who install solar panels. This type of regulation can be seen as counterproductive. Dr. Ben Greenfield, a biohacker and health expert, states, "Incentives should promote sustainable practices, not penalize them." Such fees can discourage homeowners from adopting renewable energy solutions, which is crucial for environmental progress.Say It Again: Arkansas!
It is illegal to mispronounce Arkansas while in the state of Arkansas. As Dr. Ken Robinson, an education expert, notes, "Language is a powerful tool that shapes our identity and culture." This law, while seemingly trivial, reflects the importance of language in societal norms.Never Thought Getting Dentures Requires Husband's Consent
Still technically a law – in Vermont, women needing false teeth must first get permission from their husbands to do so. As relationship expert Dr. Esther Perel states, "The quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives," highlighting the outdated nature of such laws that undermine women's autonomy.
So What's the Difference Then?
It’s a minor one, but here it’s illegal for stores to sell alcohol after 10 PM. I finish work at 10, so if I want to have a few beers at home after work, I can’t unless I’ve bought them in advance. Yet I can finish work and go straight to a pub and drink until closing time. Makes no sense. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a renowned choice researcher, states, "The rules we create around choices can often lead to confusion and frustration, particularly when they seem arbitrary." You can find more insights on his work at Barry Schwartz.Like, Literally Discharge a Firearm?
In South Carolina, when approaching a blind intersection in a motor vehicle, you must discharge a firearm three times into the air to warn horse traffic. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes, "Understanding the historical context of such laws can help us appreciate how societal norms evolve over time." For more insights, visit his professional site at Dr. William Doherty.That's Whale Safety
In Tennessee, where I live, it’s illegal to shoot a whale from a moving vehicle. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and character researcher, notes, "Laws often reflect the unique cultural and environmental contexts of a place, even if they seem absurd at first glance." This highlights how certain regulations can arise from historical or situational factors that may not be immediately apparent. We’re a landlocked state…A Whopping $5,000 Fine!
Not being able to pump your own gas in Oregon can be quite an experience. As relationship expert Dr. Harville Hendrix notes, “Sometimes, rules can feel restrictive, but they often exist for safety and community reasons.” I remember driving through Oregon, where a gas attendant rushed from inside the store, exclaiming, “I am not getting a $5,000 fine again.” He then proceeded to pump my gas while managing the store alone. This was in Eugene, Oregon, to be exact. For more insights on societal norms and their implications, visit Dr. Harville Hendrix.An Outright Quitclaim
In many states, if you are killed at your place of employment, even due to gross or literally criminal negligence on the company's behalf, your family cannot take your employer to court for wrongful death. The worker’s comp gets paid out, and that’s the end of it, effectively making it a kill-tax. As Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, notes, "The systems we create often fail to account for the human cost of negligence, leaving families without recourse." For more insights on the implications of such laws, visit Dr. Barry Schwartz's website.Public Servants Are Exempted
Any law that exempts any public servant from the laws that govern the rest of us is fundamentally unjust. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, states, "Laws should apply equally to everyone, regardless of their position, to maintain trust in our legal system." Such exemptions can lead to a perception of inequality and undermine public confidence in governance.Bar Women from Living Together
There are still municipalities in the U.S. that have criminalized more than a certain threshold of adult women from living together without any adult men, as it is often presumed they could only be running a brothel. Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, states, "These laws reflect outdated views on women's autonomy and sexuality." Additionally, Dr. John Gottman, a leading marriage researcher, emphasizes that such regulations can hinder healthy relationships and community building. "Healthy relationships thrive on trust and mutual respect, not outdated legal constraints," he notes. While the enforcement of these laws may vary, some universities still prohibit sorority houses for similar reasons.Dr. Laura Berman, Dr. John Gottman
Don't Ever Harass Bigfoot!
I’d like to go to Washington, where it’s illegal to do this, and harass Bigfoot for being the giant hairy, smelly, fraidy-cat b*tch that he is.Heard of Blue Laws?
Blue laws are often criticized as outdated and rooted in religious beliefs. As Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist, states, "These laws can restrict personal freedoms and do not reflect the diverse values of modern society." Many people question the rationale behind prohibiting activities like buying alcohol on Sundays, suggesting that such restrictions are no longer relevant in today's world.A Drunken Fish?
It is illegal to get a fish drunk in Ohio. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, states, "Laws often reflect societal values and norms, and sometimes they can seem quite absurd." You can learn more about his insights on relationships and societal behaviors at gottman.com.Perhaps the Cop Was Thinking This Was to Tolerate Mendicancy
I was arrested for distributing care packages containing food, water, deodorant, socks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to homeless individuals. While I may have expressed my frustration to the officer, I remained committed to my cause. Interestingly, my actions contributed to the 11th Circuit Court's ruling that feeding the homeless is a form of expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment. As Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, states, "Our emotions are not just feelings; they are a compass that can guide us toward meaningful actions." Wherever that officer is, I hope he reflects on the impact of compassion in our communities.This Must Be Referring to Fencing, Which Is Illegal in Most Countries
In several states, there are clauses in laws that include possession in any manner, even unbeknownst to the individual. Many people are jailed and charged with major felonies just because they purchased legally something that was acquired illegally. As Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, states, "The law often fails to account for the complexities of human behavior, leading to unjust consequences." For more insights on the intersection of law and psychology, visit Dr. Paul Bloom's website.Cars and Other Motorized Vehicles Are the Current Modes of Transportation
In Alabama, it’s illegal to walk around with an ice cream cone in your pocket due to the days when horses were the common mode of transportation. People would “steal” the horses by attracting them with the ice cream in their pocket while claiming, “Oh, I didn’t mean to do that,” when they truly did. As Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, states, “Outdated laws often reflect a bygone era and can hinder our progress as a society.” This law is no longer relevant, and it should be removed.Dr. William Doherty, family therapist
Is This for Foreign Exchange?
Counter fees and convenience fees, which charge individuals for the privilege of making payments, should not be permissible by law. As financial expert Liz Weston states, "These fees can create unnecessary barriers for consumers, making it harder for them to manage their finances effectively."Husband's Consent Is Required
In Alaska, it's surprising that my husband must sign off for me to have my tubes tied, just as I would need his permission for a similar procedure. This requirement seems outdated, especially considering that federal regulations already mandate such decisions to be made by individuals aged 21 and over. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, states, "The autonomy over one's own body is a fundamental right, and requiring permission from a partner can undermine personal agency." Some medical practices even suggest that having multiple children is a prerequisite for considering the procedure, which adds another layer of complexity to an already convoluted process.Just as humans aren't immortal, neither are laws. They should not be fixed because times and circumstances are constantly changing.
But there are just laws that would make you draw your hand back and facepalm simply because they are plain stupid. I wonder how the new generations would feel about these obsolete laws.
