No Dueling, and Other Weird Recent Laws

Over the years, you've probably seen some news piece or other chortling at the silliness of antiquated old laws still lingering on the books. But in the new Book of Strange and Curious Legal Oddities, author Nathan Belofsky also reveals a number of bizarre statutes passed startlingly recently. Salon highlights some favorites:

• Dueling: Apparently this was a big problem in Kentucky, because as recently as 1998, the state passed a law requiring first responders and emergency response organizations to take an oath not to duel with deadly weapons.
• Dog Poop: In 2008, Petah Tikva, Israel, introduced a weird program matching dogs to their droppings with DNA testing—and then rewarding owners who put the poop in designated receptacles.
• Ugly Veggies: Last July, the EU finally caved and repealed laws dictating the shape, size, and color of various produce. The law had inspired a “Save Our Ugly Fruits and Vegetables” campaign.
• Fish Abuse: In a recent animal abuse crackdown, Rome outlawed sphere-shaped fish bowls.
• Italy’s “Emergency” Provisions: During a “security emergency” in 2008, Italy gave mayors nigh-unlimited power. The result? One mayor outlawed sand castles. Another outlawed mowing the lawn on weekends—which might disturb someone trying to nap. Others outlawed reading in the park, and putting your feet up on public benches.

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