subject: Laws That Make You Wonder: What Were They Thinking? [print this page] De minimis non curat lex is an established legal principle, which means the law does not concern itself with trifles. While the intent of this legal maxim may have been to create only laws that dealt with the most significant issues at hand and to not sweat the small stuff, the idea was apparently lost on some lawmakers. This is clearly illustrated by the wide array of U.S. state laws still on the books. Many of which have readers scratching their heads and asking, What were they thinking?
Here are just a few of the more memorable laws that make us wonder what circumstances could have ever warranted their passage.
In Arizona, if you commit a misdemeanor while wearing a red mask, you will be charged with a felony.
Leave your elephant tied to a parking meter in Florida and receive a fine, expect to pay your fee in the same manner you would any other vehicle-parking fee. Oh, and make sure when you get home that your donkey is not sleeping in your bathtub. That is a legal no-no.
If you get the urge to ride a merry-go-round in Idaho on a Sunday, best wait until Monday as its against the law.
Want to play peek-a-boo with your baby in Missouri? Be careful not to frighten the little tyke as it is a clear violation of the law.
If you are driving through New Jersey and need gas, dont hop out and begin pumping your own at the gas station. That will definitely get you in trouble.
Residents of Oregon must refrain from transporting their babies on the running boards of their cars.
When visiting Tennessee, be sure to leave Pep your pet skunk at home. Its against the law to bring one into the state.
Minnesota has a law that strongly discourages anyone from crossing state lines with a duck on their heads.
If you are a woman in Wyoming and want a drink in a bar, be sure to bring your tape measure. You cannot drink within five feet of the bar.
Lollipop lovers should stay out of Washington because those tasty treats are banned.
Finally, at some point in Virginias history, lawmakers appear to have scoffed at the idea of having fun. Not only did they ban children from trick-or-treating on Halloween, but also forbade anyone from tickling a woman.
