Daphne, Alabama

Alabama law says that the name of the City of Daphne is still Daphne. (Ala. Code § 45-2A-30)

California Cockfighting?

In California, it is illegal to give a ticket to a cockfight to anyone under 16. (Cal. Pen. Code Sec. 310)

Delaware Hunting

According to Section 310 of Delaware's statutes, it is illegal to hunt from aircraft, but only while in flight.

Louisiana Donuts

In Louisiana, a donut shop may not also get a license to sell liquor. (LA Revised Stat. § 26:73.1) Are they afraid that donuts AND liquor would be too tempting a combo for police officers to ever leave?

Dallas Rats

A city ordinance in Dallas, Texas, prohibits keeping a live rat in captivity, unless for research or if the rat is trained and kept as a pet. Does training a rat count as research, or do you have to get pet rats that were trained outside of Dallas? (Ordinance 15324)

Wisonsin Urinals

This one needs no commentary, so it is quoted verbatim in its entirety. This is in the Wisconsin Statutes relating to the state's Department of Commerce:

"§ 101.07. Flushing devices for urinals.

The department shall not promulgate any rules which either directly or indirectly prohibit the use of manual flushing devices for urinals. The department shall take steps to encourage the use of manual flushing devices for urinals.

History. 1977 c. 418."

Blind-Tigers

Mississippi authorizes municipalities to "restrain, prohibit and suppress . . . all kinds of indecency and other disorderly practices," which includes blind-tigers, bucket-shops, and dance houses. (Miss. Code Ann Sec. 21-19-19)

California Lottery Law

In California, it is illegal to assist another person in disposing of a lottery ticket. (Cal. Penal Code Sec. 322)

Odd Law of the Day: Oregon Drivers

In Oregon, a driver is required to yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk (OR Code Sec 811.025). No mention is made of when driving on the sidewalk is appropriate.

Odd Law of the Day: Wisconsin Butter

In Wisconsin, it is illegal to serve margarine instead of butter to prisoners. (Wis. Stat. Sec. 97.18(5))

Dumb Law of the Day: Delaware Alcoholic Liquors

In Delaware, possession of perfume with an alcohol content of more than 1/2% is illegal if you intend to sell it as a beverage. (4 Del. C. §901)

Dumb Federal Ruling of the Day: Blow Gun Recall

Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #05-225 was for the voluntary recall of African Blow Dart Guns. Why? The hazard listed is that “Consumers may have mistakenly purchased the dart guns thinking it was a decorative walking stick, posing the risk of injury if someone used the gun for its intended purpose.” Huh? People might buy a blowgun, think it’s a walking stick, and get hurt when they use it as a blowgun?

Dumb Law of the Day: Gambling and Vagrancy in Mississippi

Let's start this blog with an interesting law still on the books in Mississippi, deep South land of casino gambling. Section 97-35-37 of the Mississippi Code defines "vagrants," and subsection (j) classifies "Every keeper of a house of gambling or gaming" as a vagrant.

Let's see - - - so the general manager of the Beau Rivage, a Mirage resort that cost more than $300 Million to build, is, by definition, a vagrant? The penalty upon conviction of a first offense of vagrancy is not less than ten days in jail and not more than thirty days, plus a bond of not less than $250 "for the future industry and good conduct of such person for one year from the date of giving such bond." (97-35-39)