Ten Strange and Amusing Old Laws From Around the World
by Way back in history laws were used to control the behaviour of the population, in much the same way as they are today. When you read some of these it makes you wonder what prompted them. Why, for example was it made illegal in Scotland, for a drunken man to be in charge of a cow?
In 1630 the Emperor of Japan made it illegal to build an ocean-going vessel. The idea was to stop any body from leaving the country. In effect everybody was a prisoner. There must have been a problem with this or there would have been no need for a law. I wonder what was so bad on the islands of Japan that large numbers wanted to leave. I’ve heard of security to keep people out but not to keep the population in.
The Emperor of third century Rome decreed that the prices of various goods should be fixed by the Emperor, and that anyone selling at a higher price would be put to death, so people started stock-piling all kinds of goods. Those who had traded in them refused to sell at low fixed prices. His response to this was to make it law that stock stock-pilers and those who refused to run shops and stalls would be executed.
So, they had economic problems way back then but their methods were designed to wipe out the problem completely. Imagine the outcry if it became law that all those who sold things at inflated prices were executed. It would certainly sort out a few economic problems right across the world.
In Ancient China, by law, doctors would only be paid if their patients recovered and their problem was solved. If they didn’t improve, the doctor had to pay them. This sounds like a sure fire way to make certain that the doctors studied hard and always did the best they could for their patients. Then there’s the question of patients with terminal conditions. I wonder if the doctors bothered with them at all, if they had no chance of being paid. Would we get better health care if modern day doctors were paid on results?
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Post CommentGlynis Smy
On April 6, 2009 at 7:13 am
Gosh, I am guilty of treason!! I put stamps on upside down when I lived in the UK. Interesting article, great pictures!
Rajiv Sighamony
On April 6, 2009 at 7:31 am
I really appreciate your collection of facts.
Kate Smedley
On April 6, 2009 at 8:10 am
Some very interesting laws indeed, great article.
Daisy Peasblossom
On April 6, 2009 at 9:07 am
Love the last one. Gives whole new meaning to don’t get between and expectant mother and the bathroom.
jdesormes
On April 6, 2009 at 12:50 pm
very entertaining and informative
Inna Tysoe
On April 6, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I loved the one about the stamps, the one about it being illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament and the last one. And Glynis–it’s so heartening (for the American rebel) to know we have (another) traitor to the Crown amongst us. At least I am not alone
Regards,
Inna
George W Whitehead
On April 7, 2009 at 1:44 am
Great article, Louie. The one about dying in the Houses of Parliament. I read a little while ago that it’s not actually illegal to die in the Palace of Westminster, but they rather you didn’t. Being classified as a Royal Palace, if anyone dies within its confines has to be accorded a state funeral! How weird is that, die there and you get a higher profile funeral than Jade Goody!!
George W Whitehead
On April 7, 2009 at 1:46 am
Sorry if the penultimate sentence doesn’t make sense, I’ve just woken up! lol
Olivia Reason
On April 10, 2009 at 12:52 pm
There is still a law in one of the States that says a man is not allowed to beat his wife on Sunday.
I’m sure the wives are grateful. Great article, Louie.
Jo Oliver
On April 16, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I didnt know a single one of these laws. Yes, they are all strange. Very interesting read!