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?
During the eighteen hundreds, in England, if you attempted to commit suicide and failed, you were put to death. So, whichever way it went you got what you wanted. Too bad if you changed your mind at the last minute.
If you lived in Scotland, during the middle ages, it was illegal to be intoxicated if you were in charge of a cow. This law has never been repealed. It sounds as though intoxicated cattle herders, or milkers were a problem in Scotland at this time, so the law stepped in to sort it out. (It’s those three legged milking stools those pose the biggest problem if you’ve had a Scotch whisky, or two.)
Sticking a postage stamp bearing the Queen’s head onto a letter the wrong way up is an act of treason in England. You can still be imprisoned in the Tower of London, where many a traitor has lost his or her head, if you are found guilty of treason. The law is still on the statute books.
There is still a law in France which stems from the Napoleonic days. You must not name a pig Napoleon and doing so is punishable by death. There must have been a problem with people doing this, or the law would never have been made. Perhaps the French peasants of Napoleon’s day showed their discontent in this way.
In Ancient Rome, the Emperor Claudius believed that married men would not want to leave their families, so he banned marriage. Christian priest Valentine secretly married people who still wanted this and was summarily executed. (This is the true root of St. Valentine’s Day.)
In London, England, it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. I wonder what the penalty is. Off with his head!
In England and Wales, there is still a law on the statute books that allows a pregnant woman to relieve herself wherever she wants to.The mental picture of a crowded city centre and all those pregnant ladies taking advantage of their legal right requires no further description.
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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!