With reference to #5 in Boulder, Colorado:

(1) You cannot 'own' a pet, therefore (2) Animals have civil rights, (3) killing an animal is murder, (4) Hunting , and butchering are illegal.

The real object: Banning the ownership of rifles and ammunition, and forcing everyone to be vegetarian.

John R Breedlove, Roseburg, OR

U forgot one about Canada where it's illeagle to kill Bigfoot!

Leeann Boone, Hartford, United States

What you have to understand is that some of these laws may have been made a hundred years ago and have just never been repealed or changed, are actually still on the books but are never used and are unknown to people. It is only when the curious start searching and looking back that they are found!

Sue, Central PA, USA

Yes, of course #9 violates U.S. Constitution, that is why you've never heard of the law being enforced. U.S. Constitution (or its later amendments) does not preclude a city from making an ordinance, or a state from making a statute/law. It simply couldn't ever be enforced, because the Const. trumps.

Josh, Louisville, United States

No 17 is not true, hasn't ever been true. Stop doing your research on Wikipedia. Haven't you been caught out enough times?

Andrew, London,

wouldn't law number 9 violate the US constitution?

Chris, Leeds, England

In the UK it is an offence to admire Margaret Thatcher, punishable by public humiliation and social ostrasization.

Sedgwick, London, UK

What about the 1 Shilling reward for handing in the tail of a Grey Squirrel at a Police Station in England, or is this one of those urban myths?

simon, Lexington , USA

It is also law that a cab must have a shovel! (to pick up the poo Because when the law was passed they were horse drawn carrages!

Corbin Mack, San Diego, USA

To Helen P: I was told the reason why it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament is because anyone who did so would be entitled to a State funeral, which the State would have to fund.

GC, London,

Under Islamic Law it is not illegal for one to enter a field to sample its fruits without filling a belly but it is illegal to carry anything outside the field. Unless the owner consents, of course.! This is called Sabeel.

Adnan Sabah, London,

How would you conceal a 6 foot weapon on your person? Or even a 5 foot one?

Eloise, London, England

heres a weird and wacky law, In Alaska it is illegal to look at a moose while on an aeroplane

Hey mummy look at the moose!!
GET HIM!!!!!!! (Police points guns at the frightened 3 year old)

Josh, Barnsley, England

how chewing gum on the farm illga?

bit stupid lol

chloe, bristol, england

In New York City it's illegal to fish from the neck of a giraffe and it's illegal to have window sock puppet shows.

Jonathan Thornton, Middleton, USA

these are kind of weird but i do think most of them are true

abbie, jackson, USA

another 2 stange laws

1:it is illegal in the uk to beat your door mat (whack it off the floor to get dust off) after 8:00 am
2:in scotland it is illegal for a woman to chew chewing gum on a farm

alex fraser, gateshead, north east england

The one about chester is true we researched it in school, annd you're allowed to kill them with a bow and arrow if they break the law! And this is coming from a welshy!!

Clare, Mynydd Isa, N.Wales

I think they are true but just not actually carried out.

Naomi, dumfries, UK

I have read all of those and find them interesting but some are'nt true!!
I live in Wales and will see you in Chester mateie!!

Catrin Myhangell, North Wales, Wales

It is true about the bale of hay in taxi but it's not just in London its in the whole of the uk

joan, derby,

Apparantly the most common form of Contempt of Court in the UK is mothers who refuse to obey court orders for divorced/separated fathers to have contact with their children. In spite of this it is almost unknown for such mothers to be punished as the Family Business authorities say 'It is not in the interests of the children for the mother to be punished' yet civil courts send hundreds of single mothers to jail for not paying parking fines, TV licences, minor shoplifiting offences, etc.
The appeals by fathers costs the Family courts several billion pounds a year, and in some cases the father bring the matter back to court dozens of times (know record is over 100 times).
Enforcing the law on this matter would solve the biggest social problem in the UK of broken families.

stan hayward, london, UK

In Brazil, it is illegal to commit suicide. However, you can only be prosecuted if the victim files a lawsuit.

Tony, Porto Alegre, Brazil

Dont know how true it is so dont quote me but I always thought legally black cabs in London had to carry a bale of hay with them. Go figure.

Andrew, Shanghai,

I do not know where you got rule number 2 about Bahrain.

Dr. Zaid Arekat, Manama, Bahrain

You missed out: - In the UK

It is a criminal offence ro replace your own front door, but you may repair it as often and however you want.

In the interests of child protection, it is illegal to smack a child so hard as to leave a mark. - On which basis a thump to the back of the head is, in the interest of child protecition perfectly OK.

Unjamming a coin from a 100 year old penny slot 'end of the pier' machine for any for payment, require a licence costing £5900, and a declaration of your criminal records, and those of your spouse, brothers, sisters, and both parents, together with a complete list of all your assets and savings.


It is a criminal offence to fit a new dimmer switch in your own kitchen without first notifying the local council and afterwards spending around £300 to get your work inspected.

It is a criminal offence to 'hold' a mobile phone while 'driving'. - This includes passing it to your passenger while waiting at traffic lights.

David Harding, Wells, England

You can be banned from driving for standing at the side of the road and warning motorist of a speed trap. - This is despite regualr assurances from the police and government that the aim is to slow people down rather than to raise money.

David Harding, Wells, England

law about masturbation in indonesia doesn't exist
i thinks this is some kind of joke, or mostly urban legend

lilik, jakarta, indonesia

very interested to read these amusing and possibly useful laws
i have a couple of ex scottish friends that i may need to invite to a bring your own bow and arrow party in york

mark , leeds,

24. It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament

I find this rather apt, as no-one dies in Disneyland either. They are declared dead outside the gates.

Coincidence, or comment on the state of British politics?

Helen P, Reading, UK

Lol see what happens when Americans stray onto the .co.uk side of the web :P

Anon, Hove, England

"The city of York (in the UK for Jay's information) used to be the capital of England before London."

Stephen, , Cheshire

This is nonsense. The Anglo-Saxon kings (following the unification of England) were based in Winchester.

My barrister in Canberra, a Nick Seddon, went on to chair the ACT Law Reform Commission, and announced that he had uncovered some strange laws still on the books there; for example, a person convicted of brawling in a churchyard could have an ear removed. Come to think of it, one of the magistrates had only one ear....

Richard Benham, Gaillard, France

When the Pet Rock was, err, invented in San Jose, California, the City Council immediately passed an ordinance requiring you to keep your pet rock on a leash. Another example of tax dollars at work!

Mario, Miami, FL/US

I now plan to move to Chester and take up archery.

Martin Sines, Eastbourne,

You forgot the unrepealed law that says King Charles spanials (dogs) must not be refused entry to any house in Britain, must have free run of it and must not be ejected until they themselves want to leave!

Jean Booth, Voorburg, Netherlands

nice one. i will speak to my parents about the longbow practice.

Dean, Leaminton Spa, England

You have got number 6 and 7 mixed up!!
In Chester it is legal to murder a Welshman within the ancient city walls with a Bow and Arrow after midnight!!

There is nothing about a Welshman entering or leaving the city before or after sunrise???

And i have lived there for 24 years?!!!

Abi, Chester,

Can you please tell me which french law forbids to call a pig Napoleon (or whatever name) ? I think this is just an urban legend but I would be more than happy to be proved wrong...

Tixier, Paris, France

a woman complained that her husband had thrown his desert at her during an argument.
the judge said that:
This all seems to fall within the doctrine of 'de minimis non curat lex'
or: the law takes no account of trifles (whether or not they contain custard).

bruce, cereste,

13 is partly correct. the archery should take place on sunday afternoons on a place set aside for that purpose and the archers have to be correctly dressed and equipped.
viz: oxford police v. hales, quinn, fairclough et al.
where the defendants had set up archery targets on the high street and were prosecuted. their defense was that archery was a legal duty. the magistrates concurred and allowed their defense but fined each defendant 10 guineas plus costs for failing to wear their swords during the exercise.

bruce, cereste,

13 is incorrect - this law only applies on a Sunday. However, anyone attempting to do their duty under this law is liable to arrest for possession of an offensive weapon.

I believe King Henry I also made an addition to this law - that a man would be absolved of murder if he killed a man during archery practise.

So at least our Scotsman visiting York has a fighting chance, as long as it's on a Sunday!

Tim, Stoke,

I have heard of a law that specifies the punishment for your dog defecating on your neighbor's lawn: you must repay your neighbor with an equal weight of butter. Perhaps a good reason to prefer small dogs.
I have no citation for this, for you sticklers out there.

Greg, Princeton, NJ, USA

In Connecticut, it was legal for a man to beat his wife on Sunday, but not legal for him to shave on Sunday.

Nick Andrelli, Alexandria, Va / USA

I'll have to tell my friend JP to be more careful in Indonesia then...

Drunk, Singapore,

Wikipedia: Despite widely held beliefs that Wall Street is based on the existence of a wall, maps of New Amsterdam show two different names for this street, and with one name 'cingel,' an earthen wall is indeed indicated. However, the name 'De Waal Straat' (see map) refers not to a wall, but to an important group of people that helped establish New Amsterdam: the Walloons.[3] By 1630 the total population of New Netherland was about 300, many being French speaking Walloons. It is estimated about 270 lived in the area surrounding Fort Amsterdam, primarily working as farmers. The Dutch word for Walloon is Waal.

During the 17th century, Wall Street formed the northern boundary of the New Amsterdam settlement. In the 1640s basic picket and plank fences denoted plots and residences in the colony.[4] Later, on behalf of the West India Company, Peter Stuyvesant, in part using African slaves,[5] led the Dutch in the construction of a stronger stockade.More atWikipedia BillLockwood HopewellVA

William Lockwood, Hopewell, VA/USA

I`ve heard of many, many strange laws from all over the world. I`d just like to know how they came about . I`d love research the reasons behind these laws, but always draw a blank.

steve, Hull, England

in switzerland you're not allowed to wash your car on sundays or flush the toilet berore six a.m.

Laura, London, England

The problem with this type of list is that often a very sensible law is construed to the absurd. This could easily be done with a law that forbids obstructed vision (blindfolded perhaps) of a driver. To do any less, however, would be to condone reckless driving. I am aware that some older statutes and laws are oddly worded by comparison to modern times. But, that should not distract from the justifiable nature of such laws. Then again, there are some old laws still on the books in any country that are just anachronistic.

Philip Vieux, Garden City, Kansas, USA

In Michigan you are not allowed to sleep in you bath tub.
Kentucky 3 or more women are not allowed to live in the same house (or apartment, not sure exactly), or it becomes a bordello.

Casey, Strunk, Ky

in england you can't dance in the rain!!!. it would be illegal!!!!!!!!!! you have to do it with a bed

kasia, london,

in zimbabwe it is illegal to point , raise your hand , make a gesture when the presidential motorcade is passing

Peter wells, uk,

Apparantly in Nebraska you are not allowed to keep snowballs in your freezer as it is considered to be a weapon.

KAT, Chapel Hill,

it is also illegal to wear armour in the houses of parliament

emily, Wolverhampton, England

In New Zealand, all feathers are the personal property of the king or queen of New Zealand - currently Queen Elizabeth of New Zealand.

Daniel Roberts, Chicago, USA

In France it's also ilegal for a man in a military unniform to push a baby pram. He must pull it!

Carmen, San Juan , Puerto Rico

Jay's little problem reminds me of when I used to work for an American bank in London. Correspondence with people on Jersey (frequent due to its tax-free status) invariably got sent to New Jersey if any Americans were involved. It seemed never to occur to most of them that the word 'New' was there for a reason.

James, Monteria, Colombia

There is a story that a Scotsman on entering France was asked for his passport. He replied that he did not need one as he was a French citizen by declaration of a French king(Louis IV ?). The kings personal guard was the Scottish Archers whose services so impressed the king that he stated that Henceforth all Scots were citizens of France. Dumbfounded, the official placed a call to his superiors who chercked the old books and found it was true. The official stood to attention, saluted and said"Pass citizen".

This is just nuuty enough to be true don't you think?

henry cowan, linthicum, USA/MD

1 - British ID Cards Act

name, n,

V from London No you do not pay VAT on sanitary towels any more. It was removed as part of Gordon Brown's first budget. However he was too embarrassed to read it out in the house of commons. Jason Catalogne - they tend to be old laws introduced for a reason but never taken off statute. Eg in one US town (I forget which one someone used to take their pig to a bar and get it drunk causing havoc - so the town passed a law banning pigs from drinking. A funny law but far a reason that iwas reasonable at the time. In the UK hundreds of laws are removed each year - London Cabs no longer have to carry a bale of hay but do have to carry a wheelchair ramp. BTW there are people who cross the USA attempting to break a law in every state - one of these obscure ones - sounds like fun to me.

Cath Taylor, Wolverhampton, UK

I'd like to see evidence that the claimed laws are ALL REAL (I'm very sceptical about some of them - probably urban myths).

Oliver Bedford, Sydney, Australia

No.13: 2 hours per week - and that a Sunday.

Cornelia, Moreton-in-Marsh,

In 1969 the United States Congress passed the ET Law, part 1211 of the Aeronautics and Space Federal Guidelines. Anyone who has 'touched directly or been in close proximity to (or been exposed indirectly to) any person, property, animal or other form of life which has been extraterrestrially exposed,' can be fined 5,000 dollars and jailed for a year.

We're all criminals now.

Hunphrey, Bishopstoke, UK

Brilliant Noel, British humour at its best...

Paul, Stockholm,

24. It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.

See the bottom of this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/81960.stm

If one does happen to die on the premises the death is announced in the ambulance or at St Thomas' Hospital.

Sarah Phillips, Cheltenham, UK

Here in Alexandria, it is illegal to dance in a public place without beds ... hence, one can have dances at hotels (wedding receptions, etc,) because hotels have beds. At Gadsby's Tavern, a bed is kept upstairs in the museum -- because the Tavern offers Colonial Dancing.

Marlene, alexandria, VA USA

In Japan women are legally obliged to wear bra's in buildings with air conditioning. The reason: men get too aroused from looking at hard nipples.

Jerzy, Aberfeldy,

A woman here in Sweden has recently been restricted to smoking only in designated areas of her own garden. The authorities who brought the (test) case against her refer to laws regarding gas/smoke emissions and impact on the environment saying that these apply just as much to private persons as to industries and businesses. The case was based on a complaint from her neighbour who claims that he has an allergy so bad that he must wear a face mask. If the courts uphold the decision it may have far reachning consequences.
Also you are not allowed to use the "Sedgeway"(?) vehicle here in public as the authorities can't decide between themselves how to categorize it - moped ? wheelchair ? But of course, when they do decide, it will be a category which brings in the most tax.

Paul, Stockholm,

On the London Underground there are notices saying: "Dogs must be carried" and I've never had a dog, am I breaking the Law?

Noel, London,

Ottawa, Canada.
ca: 18?
It is illegal to eat Ice cream on Bank Street on a Sunday.

Steyr, Ottawa,

Its Shrewsbury! (or maybe chester?) where it is legal to shoot a welshman, using a bow & arrow, after midnight...

Also - I think those chaps who think law 17 is 'sexist' (admittedly in a tongue in cheek way..) should bear in mind that whilst mens razors are VAT exempt, womens are not & neither are sanitary towels etc. That strikes me as a little unfair!

V, London, UK

Dear Becky,

If I am mistaken and please correct me if I am wrong New York at one time was built around a set of walls. Thus, the name of the street wall street.

Emran, KL, MALAYSIA

If your want some real hilarity/strangeness then you should look no further than the UK drug laws.

James C, Newcastle, UK

In Trinity College Dublin it is legal to kill a priest from the main window providing it is done with a crossbow.

Conor, dublin,

The most stupid law IMHO is the United Kingdoms Continuous Taxation Of Motor Vehicles scam. Under this law ALL motor vehicles (even spare cars kept on private land) have to be taxed, unless you declare them to be off the road. THE DECLARATION HAS TO BE REPEATED ANNUALLY! If you forget and the reminder gets lost in the post the next thing you know is that demand for £80 drops through the letterbox. I had this with a van that is at a friends being used as a shed. The law is ostensibly to catch yobbos but considering the amount of CCTV in this country the claim just doesn't hold water. It is just a scam to steal money from law abiding people. How can a government that pulls stunts like this criticise other regimes? It is the sort of thing that might be expected in Zimbabwe.

David Benyon, Bude, UK Cornwall

I shall now avoid all lawyers with the name of Jay. It makes me think that Jay is neither a lawyer or an adult by his lack of knowledge, both of geography and deduction. When was the Upper East Side ever overrun with Gaelic-speaking invaders? When did NYC ever have walls?

But I do have to say: Laws were made to counter problems. So these were actual problems? How does one get a fish drunk? I've heard the term "drink like a fish"...

Becky, Ogden, KS, USA

In the UK, you can be fined for riding a bicycle whilst drunk (Road Traffic Act), but if you are found to be drunk whist pushing a bicycle you can be sent to prison for one month (Licencing & Planning Act)!

Emma, London, UK

You guys are aware that this article is either 1) in jest or 2) completely wrong, right?

Church Alexander, Perth,

This article is missing my three favourite laws
1.in the great state of Illinois it is illegal to have sex with a stuffed animal
2.in the great state of Texas it is illegal to discharge a firearm during intercourse
3. and again in the great state of Texas it is illegal to own an ugly horse.

Kiril, Skopje, Macedonia

There should be a law that any presidential candidate must pass at least all college level courses with the highest mark (an A+) before they can start running. Might keep some of the dodos from running.

Claire, Florence, SC, USA

I think that somebody with a bit of knowledge of the law ,
and a lot of common sense , should go through the law of the land book ,and cut out some of these outdated foolish laws .. english law is complicated enough without having
all this hogwash that no doubt is probrobly kept for nostalgia,
pomp and ceromony...

gerard john foley, manchester, england

oh i fogot to add i like that indonisian law about masturbation
.......,..................thats my head chopped off for start !!

gerard john foley, manchester, england

One of the categories of the new edition of the board game Balderdash has funny laws. If you have never played balderdash, you're missing out on life. Go look for it on google.
Anyway, from there, I learned it's illegal to hunt whales on horseback in ...maryland i think, somewhere on the eastern seaboard. maybe it was delaware.
In New Mexico, it's illegal to ride a horse through town naked.

Kendyl Drayer, Longwood, FL, USA

Regarding decapitation in Indonesia, which head are they referring to?

Jim Deep, Lima, OH USA

i think that some one with a little bit of knowledge of the
law and a lot of common sense , should go through the lawbook and remove all these outdated foolish laws ..english law is complicated enough without this hogwash ,that is no doubt kept for nostalgia. pomp and ceromony...

gerard john foley, manchester, england

"11. In San Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad" Sounds quite sensible to me...

Ian Onions, Grimsby, England

In the French edition of Animal Farm the pig is called Cesar.

Stevo, Paris,

Should be a law that NYC lawyers have minimum of 6 functioning brain cells.(or even count to 6 with out using fingers)
This should be applied to Presidential candidates also.
Would be less wars if it had already been done.

George, NYC, NY USA

George Orwell surely called the pig in "Animal Farm" Napoleon, because the pigs there had led a revolution of the animals against the farmers and then ended up as a new class of oppressors. Which was roughly how Napoleon himself emerged from the French Revolution.
But if this really is a law in France, one wonders if "Animal Farm" is a banned book?

Torquil, Notting Hill, London, England

i think next time i'm caught short I'll site rule 17 but with a view that it applies to both sexes as otherwise it would be discriminatory against men. And yes I know men can't get pregnant!

I have a feeling the plod wouldn't listen though.

Neal, Wokingham, England

The Scotsman must merely be within the city walls after dark, and the Englishman (like any good Englishman) should be the one equipped with the bow and arrow.

Kev, York,

I believe it is not illeagle but unlawful to die in either House of Parliament. This is because there is no coroner there, and one would have to be appointed. Too much bother, so a small fiction is perpetrated.

Eddie Kent, Norwich,

Didnt I read somewhere that a Scotsman wearing trousers in England was evidence of theft in Scotland , or was it the other way round.

Frank, York, England

what if you die anyway in the parlament? they can't put you in jail!

6. In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow.

oh sure, i always carry a bow and arrows when i have my walk.

erika, Locarno, Switzerland

Go on Jay.
Re-examine.
;-)

MT, Nottingham,

Actually, I'm fairly certain that it's neither York nor Winchester, but the city of Hereford, and it's not a Scott, but a Welshman.

Rachel, Cardiff,

What about the Human Rights Act, which seems to be effective only in protecting the rights of criminals and terrorists?

Richard, Bexhill, UK

York / New York. Such a fuss! I quite liked Jay's sense of humour.

Owen, Banbury, OXON

I was thinking of hiring a New York lawyer called Jay for an important and very lucrative case.
I think I've changed my mind.

Robin Bather, Metepec, Mexico

An exquisite loophole in U.K. law allows one to murder another and get away with maybe just a fine or minimal custodial sentance.....

The only condition is to use your car as the murder weapon!

You might end up with a longer jail term if Jay from New York is your defence in court though.....

Richard Bradburn, Sunny Tooting Broadway, London Village

What about this one - In Florida, it is illegal to have sex with a porcupine in the street.
All for a good reason, you say?
PLEASE find me a good reason to have sex with a porcupine.
:P

Zareen , Colchester, Essex

Stephen, it wasn't York, it was Winchester.

Rob, London,

20. "In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle'"....no way,really?

laureen, Leeds,

"I would have thought that the reference to the "ancient city walls" would have been enough to discount "New York."

Sweetheart, some Americans think that Jane Austen wrote in "Old English" and that she lived in the middle ages.

starling, Lancaster,

Does anyone know where to find the exact source of the "No-Napoleon-pig" law?

Lars, Cologne, Germany

The city of York (in the UK for Jay's information) used to be the capital of England before London.

Stephen, , Cheshire

I really can't BELIEVE the amount of people commenting here about how these laws are absurd. They're MEANT to be absurd. The fact is - they're funny because they have never been repealed. They're simply not ENFORCED anymore - that's the joke. Haha. Let's laugh at this article instead of needlessly berating other countries.

Oliver, Canterbury, England

Jay, New York City, USA , I hope that you scrutinise your legal papers much more carefully than you read newspapers online,lol.
Have'nt had any clients charged with speeding and jailed for murder, have you ??.

Philip, Brighton, UK

Is it unlawful to call a sow Queen Elizabeth II even is she is good looking? I hope it is.

Peter Casie Chetty, Liverpool, England

Obviously, I am missing something. Several commentators remark upon Law No. 6 referring to "New York." Here is Law No. 6 to refresh your memory: "6. In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow." Where does it mention "New York"? I would have thought that the reference to the "ancient city walls" would have been enough to discount "New York."

Bert, Birmingham, UK

It says YORK, not NEW york.

Matt, Fort Wayne, IN

In the UK you have to pay tax on what you leave when you die. Now that IS a stupid law.

Arthur, Coventry,

In my hometown here in Mississippi it is still illegal to drive a car down Main Street. It might scare the horses.

Nancy, Collins, MS USA

Jay, you're well aware of the fact that York is a city in the UK and that no.6 reads "n the city of York..". That means city of York and NOT city of New York, USA... Can you guess from where the name came?? Or are you not that clever...

Mr T, , Sweden

I think its about time that the CIPS-UK gets strongly involved in promoting the profession in LDC's. Comparatively in Ghana where i currently reside, other professional bodies (like the ACCA, CIM, CILT) all hold award ceremonies to promote and add value to members and their contribution to soceity and their respective professional bodies. However, CIPS - Gh is yet to hold an awards ceremony. Once it held an annual meeting/awards nigth for succesful candidates and there is no talks of making this an annual programme. The value procurement professional and as a matter CIPS members place on our selves goes a long away to make the profession attractive and desirable. If the CIPS as a professional body wants to make an appreciable impact inlight of the uncontrollable upsurge in global procurement, then i strongly suggest its high time some of the notable conferences be held in LDC's and the activities of the CIPS local branches made priority target milestones of the mother organisation

Nana Sackey - MCIPS, Tema, Ghana

I don't know about the rest of these "laws,", but No. 6 is not true. New York City has no such law. I know because I'm a lawyer practicing in New York City and I took the trouble to check. Note that for none of these "laws" does the author provide a citation -probably for good reason.

Jay, New York City, USA

Jay, you're obviously not a very good lawyer, seeing as you don't seem to be able to read. York, not New York. Amazing the number of Americans who log onto an English newspaper in England and assume it's about America.

Ben, London,

To the lawyer who says number 6 isn't true, re-read it please, it says city of York, not New York City! York, UK! There it is still a law on the books. Please read mroe carefully.

A. Schafer, Lynnwood, Wa

So, um, Jay? Did they teach y'all how to *read* in law school?

Sister, Arlington,

To be honest I know a very strange law: in the USA and UK you can freely bomb another country like Iraq or Afghanistan only if your president or prime minister has got personal interest in petrol and weapons.

Kosta, Cardiff,

Hey, Jay from New York, NY, USA:

Thanks for providing another example of why Shakespeare was right about lawyers. Chalk up another blow struck by American jurisprudence against thought and reason!

#6 refers to YORK - as in "the City of York, Yorkshire, England" - *NOT* "New York City, NY, USA".

And lawyers wonder why they have a bad reputation....

Dean Robb, Virginia Beach, VA, USA

To Jay, number 6 refers to Old York, not New York.

John warner, Reading,

For all the doubters out there, for English Law, at least, try : http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/ where you will find the original legislation. Try, in particular the Justices of the Peace Act, 1361 (Among others it includes the burning at the stake of witches etc. It also authorises the appointment of Magistrates and gives them their powers.) and the Town Police Clauses Act, 1847 for all sort of strange urban rules.

Unlike countries that have had regular revolutions like France, Greece and Russia (when the previous regieme's laws usually have had a clear out) English law goes back a long, long time and no one can be bothered to separate the usefull from the useless

Brian Vallance, LEFKIMMI, Greece

Its illegal to have a sense of humour in El Salvador

Roger Phillips, Lewes, UK

In the United Kingdom you need a license to watch television!

Andyb, Boston,

Laura Roberts, the first paragraph of your comment is nonsense. Please purchase a criminal law text book with haste.

Q.C. Law, London,

There are no bones in a whale's tail

Phil, Melb, Australia

I think No. 11 is still a good law. It gives for sure a good reason to stop and think about drinking and driving.

john, new york city, NY

11. There is no death penalty at all in El Salvador, therefore this one is false. I would like to see the source for these claims

José Pérez, San Salvador, El Salvador

In Fargo, North Dakota, on Broadway. it is still legal to shoot an Indian from the back of a covered wagon.

Kyle, Fargo,

Lol this is funny, I'm gonna link this to my favourite local forum(indoforum[dot]org), thx for posting the thread, it's pretty hilarious...'on which head' the author is referring to :P

Tenkoji, Jakarta, Indonesia

In Kentucky, USA, it's also illegal to keep an ice cream cone in the back pocket of your trousers. (Some have suggested that this was due to several attempted horse thefts in which the thief lured the horse by---you guessed it---putting an ice cream cone in a pocket.)

KB, Lexington, Ky, USA

In México, to these day, there is a tax for owning a car: the "Tenencia", which is annual payment. It was created to support the financing of 1968 olympics.

Andres Lamego, México City, México

with reference to point 24. Its not illegal to die in the houses of parliment , but to be pronounced as dead. If they are pronounced dead in parliment then the dead person is entitled to a state funeral.

S Baker, Sussex,

To Jay, the lawyer in NYC.... Law #6 is for the city of York, not New York City.... how did you ever graduate law school???

Stacey C, Sarasota, FL

Jay, from NYC, the author here is referring to the city of York, found in the north-east of England, where, given its fairly close proximity to Scotland and the age-old animosity between Englishmen and Scotsmen, this law was probably applied quite often in days gone by to minimise chances of invasion. Exactly why you should think that inhabitants of New York City, USA, would bear a grudge against the Scots, I have no idea.

Incidentally, being from Chester, I have heard of the 'no Welshmen after sunset' rule, which is not surprising given that men of Chester hated their Welsh counterparts so much in earlier centuries (thankfully this isn't the case now!) that our town clock only has three faces - north, east, and south. The west one was left blank, so as to 'not give time to the Welsh'!

Kriti, Chester, Cheshire

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, Jay from NYC. You may be a lawyer , but you don't appear to be a very good one. If you read the "law" correctly, it refers to York, not New York. I knew that Americans were insular and unaware of the world outside their country, but you'd think that the word "New" before the "York" in your city would give you a clue that there is a real York...

EC, London, UK

Pity the brilliant attorney, Jay, from NEW YORK CITY didn't read #6 before making a fool of himself.

It clearly states the city is "York," which, my dear barrister, is in ENGLAND. Another clue might be the mention of city walls. York is surrounded by city walls, NYC is not.

Good grief.

Allison Jenkins, York, England

Jay, from New York City, - I certainly hope you are not a lawyer, because I would not want you representing me. Any lawyer should at least be able to read, and No. 6 obviously has a law pertaining to the "city of York" in the UK, New York's namesake. Although the author doesn't provide citations for any of these laws, it does no good if you look them up in wrong cities.

Aaron, Miami, Fl,

Jay, you must not be a very good lawyer. Read law #6 more carefully, it says the city of York, as in Great Britian's York, not New York City.

Glad your not reading any documents that pertain to my case. Yikes!

Carlo, New Jersey,

You forgot one important (and recent) law: in Spain, we have to pay a special tax on CD, Printers, Mobile Phone, Scanners... becouse this items are used to piracy music and movies.

JD, Madrid, Spain

The Pig in George Orwell novel "Animal Farm" was called Napoleon

richard sharpe, Tokyo, Japan

I am a lawyer in New York and don't no any law where you can legally kill anyone so all this list is nonsense and maid up.

Thicko, NY, US

Was our (learned?) friend inspired to study law by viewing Lionel Hutz on The Simpsons by any chance?

Dan, London, UK

Some years back a motorist in Maryland USA fell foul of the law when he said that God should damn a policeman who had just given him a ticket. He was promptly arrested for 'blasphemy' .

Joe, Baltimore, Maryland

Jay. The city is York, not New York City. Must not be a great lawyer if you can't get your basic facts straight.

Adam, Oklahoma, US

Apparently, Jay isn't a very good lawyer as he didn't take the time to read the law. It didn't say New York City, it said York!! Which pretty much every one else in the free world would realize it to be the City of York.

Let's see... York in England?? How about that? When put into the context of it being a law in ENGLAND then the reference to a Scotsman would make sense, right?

Ralph Fahringer, ellsworth, usa

York is in England. Guess where the name New York came from.

Ben, Singapore,

You do know that it says "York" and not "New York" right?
I mean... the ancient walls of New York?
Right.

Sarah, St. Johns,

Jay, the lawyer from NYC is obviously not a very good lawyer, if he can't tell the difference between York in England and New York City in the USA. Try reading it properly next time!

I still reckon most of these are made-up though.

Karen, Westhoughton, England

Hey Jay from New York City:
Number 6 speaks of York in ENGLAND!!! Did you even bother to read this article thoroughly?
And you say that you're a lawyer! Well, if that is true, then I certainly wouldn't want you to defend me.

A. M., Bossier City, Louisiana

to the lawyer who claims that #6 is not true because they have no such law in new york city, read it again. you'd think that a lawyer would have a keen attention to detail, as well as a broad education. no where in number 6 does it mention new york city.

elizabeth, san francisco, ca

Jay, if you're a lawyer, then you should know that York is a city in New Yorkshire England, and NEW york is a completely separate city, the one you live in. I'd expect a smart guy like you to notice. I didn't even finish high school, and even I know that, jeez...

Steve, tototlan, mexico

Jay, from New York - You might want to actually read the law. It says the "City of York".

Sirspongy, Lansing, MI

Good attention to detail there Mr. Lawyer Jay, City of York, not New York City.

Adam, York, England

Here's one for you:

In one tiny Ohio town, men can legally whip their wives with a stick no wider than the width of the man's thumb on the steps of the townhall building on Sunday mornings.

Can you believe that?

Al, Steubenville, USA/ Ohio

In canada it is illegal to leave the table with 3 ounces of cocaine or 7 ounces of heroine.

Sean, Toronto,

Did Tony Blair ever visit York carrying a Bow ? missed chance maybe /

Werner B. Shaw, Havant UK,

In Chile you can crash driving a train while you are drunk and just pay a fine of around 0.10 US dollars.

Felipe Sabando, Santiago, Chile

In Spain it is allowed to kill a person that you hate a lot (or not)... and you only rest four months' time in jail.

Thats democracy!

Gil Monsalve, Benicasim, Spain

Well, I get if I get a pet donkey and named him Napoleon, that would be fine!

cerronevado, Malaga, Spain

To Jay, of New York City, USA,

Law #6 refers to "the city of York" and to legally murdering Scotsmen. The city of York, my friend, is in the UK....it's not New York City. I thought you lawyer types could read.

MK, Surrey, UK

Hey Jay....Where are the "Ancient City Walls" in New York City....

DAve, Portland, OR

"I don't know about the rest of these "laws,", but No. 6 is not true. New York City has no such law. I know because I'm a lawyer practicing in New York City and I took the trouble to check. Note that for none of these "laws" does the author provide a citation -probably for good reason.

Jay, New York City, USA"

Perhaps you didn't read the whole thing correctly, or maybe some other reason, but if you go back and read it, you'll clearly see that the law says the town of 'York', and not 'New York', because you see, there is a difference. York is a town in England, and New York was named after that town, hence the 'New' part.

Sean, Vancouver,

what is this?? it cant be true, at least i bet they're not enforced laws! its just plain ridiculous! xD

Natalia, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Jay in NYC, if you are in fact a lawyer, you might want to pay better attention to detail. #6 is about the English City York, not NYC in the States.

BB, London,

@Jay, New York I am not sure if that comment will get you a lot of work, might be best to re-read number 6 and work out where the word 'New' is?

Mark, Bath,

Many laws are designed to preserve the status quo and the elite class' stranglehold upon the reigns of power. In the supposedly free USA, despite what many Founders wrote as being allowed, even desirable if needed, the USA elite class makes the mere utterance of the posible need for an internal revolution a crime with severe penalties.

Obbop, Nebraska, USA

To Jay in New York - the referred to is city is York, England!

Jennifer , Glasgow,

6. In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow Comment: New York City has no such law. I know because I'm a lawyer practising in New York City

Duuuuhhh - Americans - ya gotta luv 'em

York - Yorkshire - England
AND - I took the trouble to correct your spelling.

Maggie, Durham, England

I wouldn't let that lawyer represent me - they are talking about the original York in Yorkshire - England - dduuhhhh - Americans! You gotta love em!

Maggie, Durham,

Dear Jay, The City of York and New York City are an ocean apart. Please reread law # 6 again.

Gregg, Athens Georgia, USA

Jay from NYC, Being a New Yorker myself, it's a shame you didn't bother to put your full name so I would know never to use your legal services. A lawyer who can't tell the difference between York, England and New York, US probably ain't too hot in his legal work either

Dave, New York,

To Jay, New York City, Maybe you should go back to law school and learn how to read. It says York, not New York. There is a world outside the USA.

John, Miami, Florida

Perhaps the lawyer from New York ought to read No 6 again. It cites an old law for the old York.

Mark Smith, Portsmouth, UK

I am in the UK, my brother is 15, he has never heard of Longbow, let alone ever carried it out.

Pav, London,

In Thailand it's illegal to possess a copy of the movie "The King and I" due to the disrespectful and highly inaccurate way the King is portrayed. The penalty used to be death, but was changed just last year to merely a large fine and imprisonment.

cathyy, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

I am glad to know that stupid laws are not new

Vitor, Camacan, Brazil, Bahia

about # 11 its so stupid tha you say this, i am from San Salvador, and there´s not death penalty in this conutry, this law would be impossible in our country.

ricardo, San Salvador, El Salvador

Remind me to give Gordon Brown a bow and arrow next time he visits York !

Mike, Alicante, Spain

In schoharie county it is against the law to shoot
your cow !

Goodtroll, Howes Cave, U.S.A. / N.Y.

Jay, though I agree with you, the author never provides a citation, the law refers to York in England rather than New York City, USA

Maria, Malta,

about #6
to Jay, New York City, USA
City York(where Robinson Crusoe was born) is in UK, not in US.

Andrew, Moscow, Russia

Oh dear Jay, try the City of York, England!!

hs, Leeds,

Jay, from New York. As a lawyer, you should be more observant. City of York, not New York. I don't recollect New York having ancient walls or a previous history of Scottish invasion.

Ron, Chicago, IL

I believe it is still in force: In San Francisco there is a requirement that all windows leading to fire escapes in hotel or apartment buildings, be marked during hours of darkness with a whale oil burning lamp, with a red colored glass.

In force, perhaps. Enforced? Nope. Hard to find whale oil nowadays...

Bill, San Francisco,

In San Salvador, El Salvador we have no death penalty, except for treason to the state, so number 11 is made up. Congrats on the nice factual reporting.

Salvador, Lawyer, San Salvador,

In Louisiana it is illegal to steal alligators, or rob a bank and then shoot the teller with a water pistol or to gargle in a public place.

Cary D. Rostow, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

In Cambodia you can be stopped and fined by a policeman for having your motorcycle headlight on in the day...

Annie, Phnom Penh,

In India, Its illegal for teachers to call the kid Stupid.

Ans, Delhi, India

I demand a note in which he denies the law number 11, it offends to my country El Salvador I demand a note making clear that it is not true.

To write to www.elsalvador.com is one of the newspapers of my country and to ask the Salvadoreans for excuses for such a lacking note indeed, in my country the death sentence does not exist.

Clarifying: if you drive intoxicated they fine you and take the license from you nothing mas and you go to a few chats. Gentlemen we are in the 21st century.

oscar hassin, san salvador, El Salvador

I don't know about the rest of these "laws,", but No. 6 is not true. New York City has no such law. I know because I'm a lawyer practicing in New York City and I took the trouble to check. Note that for none of these "laws" does the author provide a citation -probably for good reason.

Jay, New York City, USA

#18 - the tradition of deliverying a barrel of rum is still practised today - at least once a year.

http://www.hrp.org.uk/Resources/Constables's%20Dues.pdf

"This tradition is still upheld in the Ceremony of the Constable's Dues. When the Royal Navy moors one of its ships alongside the Tower, the Captain of that vessel delivers a barrel of rum to the Constable as a symbol of these ancient rights. Accompanied by an escort of Yeoman Warders in State Dress and a Corps of Drums, the Captain and his escort of Naval ratings march through the Tower of London to Tower Green where the ceremony takes place. A colourful custom, it is re-enacted each year and the participants then retire to Queen's House afterwards to sample the contents"

Matt, Sydney, Australia

Your forgot one, how about this..

In London, England if a tax paying citizen of Great Britain stood outside the Houses of Parliment (the building they pay for) and made a protest against the decisions made by the people who work inside (the people who's salaries they pay for), decisions that affect the day to day life of said citizen they would in fact be breaking the law and could be arrested.

How weird is that?

Notice i did say "London" and not "Bagdahd" just in case anyone is confused.

Gary Murphy, Brisbane,

Could you define a Scotsman? Is it based on current habitation or accent? Can the bow and arrow be plastic?

Ben, York,

I wonder how "Animal Farm" sells in France.

Dan Baynes, Barton Seagrave,

Re No6 So if we can only buy up the entire contents of an archery shop and entice most of the current Cabinet (including the PM) to York we can do away with all of them in one-fell-swoop and get away scot-free (pun intended) Why hasn't someone thought of doing this before!

David, St Albans, UK

No. 13 is EXACTLY why the British are still seen as old-fashioned and pompous by the rest of the world...

Sam, Godalming,

Chris, Hemel Hempstead asks (below): "So Can I urinate in public on the rear wheel of my car and not get in trouble with the law?"

Yes, Chris - but only if you keep your right hand on the car.

By the way, I think this law was only introduced as a means for prosecuting Abu Hamza, as our feeble laws against spreading religous hatred weren't strong enough to get him!

Kenny G, London,

In Mississippi it is illegal to keep a stallion or jack within a hundred yards of a church or within view of a public highway. Upsets and distracts the ladies, I suppose.

We also have judicially noticed that an egg sucking dog cannot be broken of the habit.

John, Jackson, MS

It isn't recommended to skateboard inside supermarkets !

Stu, Bristol,

In South Africa before 1994 (and perhaps to this day) it is illegal for white cadavers to be stored in the same tank beneath black cadavers in teaching hospitals.

Richard , Johannesburg, South Africa

I seek on Indonesian Law regulation, and found no such a decapitation for masturbation. But sharp discrimination of circumsision is obviously seen there. If you want to be circumsized and you're not a Moslem, people will questioning your religion and your request can easily be rejected.

Klabang, Mannheim, Germany

Can rule number 14 be hung on the door of the house of commons?

Steve P, Leeds, England

I understand that in the UK it is illegal for a woman to consume chocolate while seated in a public toilet....
Why ? What abuse was this intended to prevent ?

James Penfold, Peterborough, NH USA

If you're going to repost these unlikely laws, many of which have been refuted, the least you could do is research WHY these became laws? Drunken fish... Hello?

Albert Stein, Vistior City, Michigan

Number eleven is a joke. It's really hilarious! If it's about San Salvador in El Salvador, let me tell you that death penalty does not exist here. Drunk drivers kill themselves! They do not need to be punished!

Ernesto Sanchez, San Salvador, El Salvador

Ian Rollerson, Perth

Dr. Mohamed Haneef is from India I thought, Bangalore specifically. Wasn't in the Middle East last time I checked.....

Deepan, London, U.K

Good point, Laura Roberts

Stu, Bristol,

Presumably 24 to die the the Houses of Parliament is a capital offence?

I would like to see a drunken fish! Is that where pissed as a newt comes from?

Penelope, Berkshire, England

Laura Roberts: excellent point.

HG, London, UK

Now to dress Charles Kennedy up as cupid and send him to York!

Gerard, London, UK

After ten years of New Labour, in Britain its now illegal to scratch your arse.

Simon, Leeds, U.K.

In Switzerland it is illegal to wash your car, hang out washing or mow your lawn on a Sunday.

Gloria, Zurich, Switzerland

I think the longbow practise was a form of national service. The lads and men would be competent if something occurred and they had to be called to arms.

Susan, Surrey, UK

Given the absence of citations, details of statute or case law etc, I bet a goodly number of these are apocryphal.

In any case, Chris Jones is quite right and in fact many of these laws are quite sensible.

For example, numbers 3 and 25, which concern cabs. Why does Mr/Ms Wade think these laws are strange? Is the author seriously arguing that people with plague *should* be allowed to hail cabs, or that cabs *should* be allowed to carry rabid dogs or corpses? I for one think this makes a lot of sense in the interests of controlling disease and ensuring all deaths are properly registered. Obviously plague isn't the social problem now that it once was, but what's the point in the legislature wasting time repealing such a law? Far better to spend legislative time on something worthwhile. As for the corpses, a moment's thought will demonstrate the good sense in regulating the transport of cadavers.

Derek Arbuthnot, Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom

I really wish someone would do number 12, say at 8AM on a monday morning, it would be the single most defining moment of this millenium!

Chris, London, UK

In Scotland it is illegal to be drunk in charge of a cow on the King's/Queen's Highway.

Gervas Douglas, Andorra la Vella,

I bet if you look at all the laws in all countries that about 80% are insane or just plain stupid. Laws are like fleas on a fat dog and all he can do is scratch.

Armand Vanore, , Iowa

I heard of an Oxford student who arrived for an exam and demanded his glass of port. The invigilators looked up the rules and brought him his port. Then they fined him £500 for not wearing a suit of armour.

joe, birmingham, uk

I am delighted to hear that it is legal to shoot a Scotsman between high and low water marks.

Where are the high and low water marks on a Scotsman? Does a true Scot ever come into contact with the stuff?

Richard, Dunstable,

My mother once applogised to the counter clerk for having stuck the stamp upside down on a letter. He replied he wouldn't tell the Queen if she promised not to. This was in Wales!

Henry GB, Brampton, Cumbria

I tried to get arrested last year whilst on holiday in the US as it is illegal to kiss your wife on a Sunday in Hartford CT.

My wife refused to take the risk.

So we didn't go to Hartford. But our New England host said it was a boring place to go to anyway.

Phil Roberts, Kelsall, Cheshire

I really wish # 17 applied in the U.S.
Being in my 8th month of pregnancy, there are times I would like to relieve myself whenever I need to.

Imagine asking a policeman for his hat to urinate in......I would love to know if an English policeman (bobby) would really comply to this.

Lynn, New York City,

"In Indonesia, the penalty for masturbation is decapitation."

Which head?

JT, Aloha, USA

I had heard that the local police were turning a blind eye to repeat offenders

Phil Heaton, Blackburn, England

Wonderfully fun list for a Friday :) Thanks

Sally, Kinver, Staffordshire

Aren't there now loads of laws for protecting the human rights of yobs, vandals and intruders, who must be spared getting injured or having their freedom curtailed.
After all isn't it perfectly legal for the aforementioned scum to sue you (the victim that they've injured and traumatized) for injuries sustained in the course of their handiwork and any loss of earnings due to these injuries.

Catherine, Hungerford,

My friend actually put number 10 in to practice last year on a trip to Devon. Shame it was my car!

Sam, London, UK

Well some of those are just plain obvious but some of them are just plain rediculous

Emmet Cowan, Belfast, Ireland

I dont think you can shoot a scot on sight in the isle of man unless they are between high water and low water mark.

Still I can think of a few invitees to view my seaweed collection.

MGB, Carmarthen, Wales

There's more ridiculous laws. How about this one, in Alabama, it is illegal to have oral sex. In Florida, it is illegal to have extramarital sex. And in Louisiana, it is illegal to have anal sex. That last one might be aimed towards the goat "lovers", ja!

Julio, Miami, Florida

I wonder which came first, the law about 2 hours of longbow practice or the law about killing Scots carrying bows and arrows in York?

Doug Foster, Durham,

"6. In the city of York, it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow."

In the Isle of Man its legal to murder a Scotsman if you find him and on the beach.

Ron Caine, Lonan, Isle of Man

"In Florida, unmarried women who parachute on Sundays can be jailed."
Well, this one is OBVIOUS ..... not.
But i guess some congressman was being cheated... hahah "honey, theres a new law, no more parachuting with Pedro..."

Conrado, Torino, Italy

It is a pity that the Times chose not to include a date, and an explanation, for these laws, as these would perhaps have given us a bit of insight into the issues, forces, and in some instances personalities, behind each of these laws.

Tom, London, UK

This is absolutely hilarious.!!!! it is very interesting.

Some of these laws are truly ridiculous

Adenike Bakare , London, United Kingdom

Bob Finbow - Chris Jones is right. If you could work out why some of these laws were enacted it would reveal a lot about the life and times that brought them about.

I'm still trying to work out how you conceal a weapon over six feet long!

Andy, Notts, UK

I wonder if George Orwell knew about the French law regarding a pig and Napoleon when he called the main piggie personage of his Aimal Farm Napoleon. I also wonder wether that french law is protecting good image of a pig or Napoleon.

Kakhi, London, the UK

yeah, makes a good story but I doubt you could find any actual statute or byelaw for most of the above. Most are 'friend of a friend' heard about that - now myth and legend.

Gary, Peterborough,

"In Indonesia, the penalty for masturbation is decapitation."

Which head?

JT, Aloha, USA

It would be nice to have a distinction between those crimes which have lain fallow on the statute books sinced the 16th century and those that can still see you do some serious chokey time, and just to have some general background on them.

Chris Jackson, London,

In Montana, it is illegle to have a sheep in the cab of your pick-up truck withouit a chaperone!

Duncan, Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.

I'm sure all you brits are currently purchasing longbows and arrows and preparing to practice...local law enforcement will be coming to check your practice logs soon.

I wonder if a policeman could legally arrest someone in the UK under that law. That would be amusing.

Alex, Chicago, IL, USA

I was told by Dr. Cyril Norman Hugh Long, former head of the Yale Medical school, that the rule book at Oxford University permitted one to practice archery on what is now a main thoroughfare in Oxford between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. But in his student days, when he and his friends decided to try it and blocked traffic, they were hailed before the wardens and punished. The wardens pointed to another provision in the rule book that provided when practicing archery on that thoroughfare, one must be dressed in Lincoln Green.

Wallace Edward Brand, Alexandria, US, Virginia

In Australia it seems it is illegal to be the second cousin of a person who attempts to commit an act of vandalism in England. Or at least the current government is doing it's best on this one. Especially if you are of middle eastern origins - - -

Ian Rollerson, Perth, Australia

#6 ..I guess York was sacked so many times, people there developed an attitude against scots.. :))

#9. why? because on Sundays God is resting and not taking care of us. and this act is clearly suicide?.. :D :D

#22.. hahhaah.. same thing with Turkey. There you have absolutely NO right of naming your kid after their great leader Attaturk (out of respect i guess).. naming a pig after him I guess is a tripple insult.. (muslims are touchy with pigs.. and pork meat.. :)))

Anton T., Plovdiv, Bulgaria

You left out this; i was born and brought up in Hong Kong. In 1991, i was fined by the Royal Hong Kong Police HK$ 150 for crossing the road while the traffic light for pedestrians was red.

Tsang Kar Fai, sydney, australia

I'm sure all you brits are currently purchasing longbows and arrows, and preparing to practice...local law enforcement will be coming round to check your practice logs shortly.

Seriously, though, could the police arrest someone under that law? That would be very amusing...

Alex, Chicago,IL, USA

Classic

Duncs Ridley, London,

You left out one of my favourites: It is illegal to plow a cotton field with an elephant in North Carolina, USA

Stephen, Fayetteville, NC

Here in Chile you can go to prison for five years if you steal a chicken. Some people may think that it's nonsense, and no judge could take this law and put it into practice, but one year ago I saw in the news that in the South of my country a judge sent to prison a guy who broke this law. Just for taking a chicken from his neighbor. Unbelievable! Certainly there are lots of laws that must be deleted.

Carlos Ojeda, Casablanca, Chile

No.7: The law did not merely ban Welshman from entering Chester outside the hours of daylight; if such an individual was found within the walls, he must be put be put to death immediately.

Alas, the law was abolished in 1979.

Ian, Broughton, Wales

Some of these laws are faith based but most are based on dealing with incidents that must have occurred. For example ... in Wisconsin (US) it is illegal to enter the state with a chicken on your head. What would be interesting would be to find out these specific events that triggered the law makers of these various places to create such laws.

Thank you for that fun list :)

Pat Falardeau, Ottawa, Canada

in todays climate of drunken, loutish and antisocial behaviour, people may want to be reminded of some old laws which are still in force - its illegal to sing a profane or obscene song (Town Police Clauses Act 1847) to simply be drunk in public place (Licensing Act 1872) and to refuse, when asked, to assist a constable dealing with a breach of the peace (common law). sadly, these law are little used and largely forgotten

david, london,

In the People's Democratic Republic of Laos, sexual relations between Lao and non-Lao is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. Or as it was put to me, “That could be the most expensive lay you’re ever have.” Prim notices to this effect can be seen posted in the Western embassies. This ordinance presumably is intended to keep sexually transmitted infections on the Thai side of the Mekong River. However, the cops have been squared, and taxi drivers are in on the act, so no worries. One observes modestly dressed local ladies being passed around short time on one side of the square, cops on the other. But you date the hotel receptionist or coffee shop waitress and the cops are down like a ton of bricks. Clearly a nice little earner to supplement police income. You just have to get into the culture.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Karuizawa

I've another one.

In the UK, when people have intruded into your house, threatened you, and shone a light straight at you so you don't know if they're about to kill you or rape you, it's illegal for the homeowner to defend themselves in such a situation under a pre-emptive measure of self-protection and launch an attack with the method most easily available. Even if they absolutely believed they were about to be attacked.

But it is apparently entirely legal for the government of the same country to launch a pre-emptive measure without their territory being intruded upon, with no threat made whatsoever, no proof of any possession of weapons, based on a fundamental illlogical premise of the other party proving they haven't got something, and if the government *believes* there's going to be an attack.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Elisha, by any chance is there a youth gang in Santa Rosa whose colour is red? In a city near me the opposing gang colours are red and navy. You are asking for trouble if you wander into a gang-controlled area wearing head covering of either colour: wear white or brown(neutral). The law was undoubtedly intended to help limit gang-related violence in the schools.

Linda, eastern NYS,

Bad news for Scotsmen on their way to compulsory longbow practice in York..

Chris Long, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

It used to be legal to shoot a Scot on sight in the Isle of Man...! I wonder if the statute is still on the books?

Alan, Johannesburg, South Africa

There was a law in Northern Ireland that the act of fellatio was illegal, I think they changed it in 2004 but I would like to know if the police was monitoring sexual behaviour of couples ;)

Alex, Manchester, UK

further to 'law 22' I am guessing that George Orwell did little to enhance the entente cordial

Tom Rulten, Billericay, UK

In France it is legal to marry a dead person. No financial gain may accrue from the deceased's estate and the person must have the permission of the deceased's parents.

oisin, Paris, France

So to get rid of Gordon Brown we just need to get him to hold a bow and arrow in York and then shoot him?

MR Mansfield, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

All of these laws have some sort of basis in sense - depending on what was considered sensible at the time.

Most governments just don't have the time, resources or inclination to clean up the statute book of old laws which are so silly they'd no longer be enforced. Try arresting a Welshman in Chester at 11pm, and see how far you get.

Paul Heyes, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Well I'd like t