Strange Laws: Bizarre things that are punishable by imprisonment in the United States

Within the fabric of American law, spun with strands of pragmatism and history, there are odd trends and anomalies that appeal to the discriminating mind. Examining closely reveals a mosaic of strange laws, often relics from past times, still decorating the legal scene. Although these laws may not be strictly enforced, their existence makes one laugh and think.

In the southernly charming state of Alabama, a law forbids the wearing of a fake mustache in the hallowed halls of a church, should it cause laughter among the members. One can only picture the spectacle that motivated such legislation, a scene maybe reminiscent of a silent film comedy where a mischievous character dons a false mustache to disturb a serious service.

Traveling north to Alaska, a territory of untamed wilderness and rough beauty, a law forbids disturbing sleeping bears. It is evidence of the state’s respect of the natural world and its magnificent species, so reminding us that even the strongest of predators have right to rest.

In Colorado, the Centennial State, a legislation forbids riding a horse intoxicated by alcohol. Maybe this law was passed to stop drunk equestrians from galloping across the streets, so compromising others and themselves. Maybe it was a way to preserve horses’ dignity by making sure they wouldn’t be thrown about by drunk riders.

Traveling south to Florida, the Sunshine State, a law forbids parking an elephant in a reserved parking spot and charges the same penalty for parking a car. One wonders whether a real-life event, maybe a circus elephant left unattended in a parking lot creating anarchy and uncertainty, inspired this law.

Metal coins cannot be inserted into one’s ears according legislation in Aloha State, Hawaii. Though perhaps it was passed to discourage the use of coins as a kind of body modification or to prevent hearing damage, this is a strange law.

In Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, a law forbids minors from drinking alcohol unless it is for a culinary demonstration. One can picture a young chef-in-training under close supervision adding a dash of wine to a simmering sauce.

In Indiana, the Hoosier State, a law lets people be sued for kissing someone sporting a mustache. This legislation seems to have emerged from the pages of a Victorian novel, a relic of a time when facial hair was thought of as a sign of virility and aggression.

In California, the Golden State, a legislation forbids the consumption of frogs involved in frog jumping contests. This law begs issues regarding the limits of human entertainment and the morality of animal exploitation.

The Palmetto State law in South Carolina forbids donkey keeping in bathtubs. One can only hypothesize regarding the conditions under which this law was adopted. Was it in response to a surge of bathtub mishaps connected to horses? Alternatively was it a means of safeguarding the dignity of bathtubs and donkeys?

These are only a handful of the odd laws that apply in the United States. They are evidence of the variety of American society as well as the inventiveness of American legislators. Some would write off these rules as ridiculous or antiquated, while others would find entertainment value in them and as a reminder of the rich tapestry of American legal history.