Laws are necessary for civilization to survive and thrive, but in some cases, they don’t always make a lot of logical sense. Just because something islegaldoesn’t automatically make it morally orsociallygood. Nor does banning something instantly mean that it’s bad. There are some truly bizarre moments when common sense goes out the window.One internet usersparkedan interesting conversation on r/AskReddit after asking folks about what things are, weirdly enough, illegal to own in their home country. Scroll down for their answers and a quick peek into how every legal system has at least a few flaws.This post may includeaffiliate links.
Laws are necessary for civilization to survive and thrive, but in some cases, they don’t always make a lot of logical sense. Just because something islegaldoesn’t automatically make it morally orsociallygood. Nor does banning something instantly mean that it’s bad. There are some truly bizarre moments when common sense goes out the window.
One internet usersparkedan interesting conversation on r/AskReddit after asking folks about what things are, weirdly enough, illegal to own in their home country. Scroll down for their answers and a quick peek into how every legal system has at least a few flaws.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Swiss law : just one pet guinea pig. It’s mandatory to have at least two so they don’t get lonely.
Some laws are beyondbizarreand end up sounding utterly hilarious. For example, Birmingham Universitynotesthat in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to handle “salmon in suspicious circumstances,” as per Section 32 of the Salmon Act of 1986.
Meanwhile, the Seamen’s and Soldiers’ False Characters Act of 1906 prohibits you from dressing up as a member of the naval, military, and marine forces. So, you technically wouldn’t be able to wear those clothes to a fancy dress party.
Even weirder, Section 12 of the Licensing Act of 1872 prohibits you from being drunk inside a pub. “Every person found drunk in any highway or other public place, whether a building or not, or on any licensed premises” could get a fine.
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US: Brass knuckles. Guns are fine. Knives are fine. But Brass knuckles? Yeah that’s too far.
We reached out to the person behind the online thread, redditor u/solitary_black_sheep. They shared a few thoughts about illogical laws, as well as the virality of online content.“I don’t think it’s possible to have perfect laws in general,” the internet user toldBored Panda.“There will always be some strange ones due to historical reasons, strange precedences, unfortunate phrasing, etc.”They said that they read many interesting answers. “There were many interesting illegal things that overall showed some holes in legal systems of different countries.”
We reached out to the person behind the online thread, redditor u/solitary_black_sheep. They shared a few thoughts about illogical laws, as well as the virality of online content.
“I don’t think it’s possible to have perfect laws in general,” the internet user toldBored Panda.
“There will always be some strange ones due to historical reasons, strange precedences, unfortunate phrasing, etc.”
They said that they read many interesting answers. “There were many interesting illegal things that overall showed some holes in legal systems of different countries.”
Pet rats.Alberta is one of the few places that is rat-free and they want to keep it that way.
India: A tiktok account.
Chewing gum in Singapore.
“For me, trying to limit [these substances] makes sense and it’s not normal to own them.”
They opened up to us that initially the thread and the question were a social experiment of sorts. They wanted to see if they’d be able to create a popular post. The main thing driving the OP? “Just curiosity.”
I’m in the USA (Indiana to be exact) and throwing stars were illegal until around a year ago. Open carry is fine, but none of that ninja business.
Telescope 🔭 [Jordan]Edit: if you are part of the Jordanian Astronomy association, you can get a permit to import one, otherwise it’s forbidden to prevent people from spying.
Overhauling a country’s entire legal system to be consistent, logical,fairand also reflective of the norms and mores of today’s society would be a monumental task. Then factor in the fact that social norms shift and change over time and you realize that you have to constantly update your laws. Realistically, some bizarre (il)legalities will fall between the cracks. And then you’re back where you started, wondering why it’s illegal to own something basic.
It’s illegal to own rabbits in my state in Australia, unless you’re a registered magician or own a petting zoo type show.
Buying knives if you’re under 18 in Scotland.Sounds legit and reasonable, except that you can vote, get married, have babies and leave home when you’re 16.Had to “break the law” to buy someone some kitchen knives and scissors last week because they couldn’t cook anything without them!!
Kinder eggs with the toy inside. Illegal in all of US.
What are the most peculiar laws that you know that are still in effect in your home country, dear Pandas? Are they still relevant or does everyone ignore them?
A copy of the original Romeo and Juliet. [Because of] suggestive language. 400 words got changed for school copies. New Mexico, USA
New Zealand: A snake. Always wanted a pet snake, but we dont even have them in the zoo they are so unallowed lol.
UAE: Poppy seeds. I miss them on my bagels.
In Venezuela it’s illegal to own anything with camo print on it.
To be in possession of an unpolished diamond in South Africa. Even if you pick it up on the beach.. punishment: 10 years in prison.
VPN subscription in China. Actually ownership is not illegal, usage is.
Any laser pointer that isn’t weaker than a single LED. Here in Australia, it used to be less than 5 milliwatts, then they changed it to less than 1 milliwatt. The laser pointers that can burn things are usually 1.5 watts or more.
Portugal: Dashcams, police bodycams, etc, here if people didnt have privacy while breaking the law then the court will make the victim pay for the privacy damages to the law breaker and end the case there.edit: we have some public streets with (goverment) cameras recording 24/7.
The feathers of most native migratory birds are illegal to own in the US. Having a hawk feather, or blue jay feather? Illegal, because of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (Nobody is banging down doors about a kid picking up a feather, though.).
See Also on Bored Panda
E -Vapes though they sell cigarettes. I live in India.
Slingshot in Germany.Back in my day we carved our own. Apparently we were real criminal.
In one state (Western Australia), it is illegal to sell, purchase, take delivery of or deliver more than 50 kgs of potatoes at once. Not sure if this is ever enforced but yeah.
In Ireland it’s illegal to sell and use metal detectors without written consent from the government.
Texas, US: 2 IDs , even if the both have the exact same information, photos , names , ID number , hight , eye colour , everythingIf your ID gets lost and you get a new one , and somehow find your old one. You are breaking the law…
Switchblades are illegal in a lot of states. You can have pocket knives, you can have long bladed knives, you can have knives you can open with one hand. You can also have guns.But switchblades are illegal in a lot of places.
Walkie Talkies are illegal in Egypt.
California, US: Ferrets, as pets.
Bear spray. We have bears in Canada.
A home distillation setup in the UK.
Suppressors/moderators/silencers. Not even for airguns.I bought an airgun about a year ago. Then I designed and 3D printed a suppressor for it, figuring it would effectively lengthen the barrel a bit for increased accuracy, and it might reduce the report, even if only slightly.I shared a picture of the finished print on social media and had a bunch of friends immediately comment that I should delete the picture and destroy the print ASAP. I did and then researched it… sure enough owning or possessing a suppressor is illegal (in Canada).I think someone in politics has watched a few too many action movies and has no real concept of how effective suppressors are.
Uganda is illegal to own a parrot.
Changing the bulbs in your car/bike with the same ones with leds. But driving without lights is also illegal. So on my old bike i eather drive illegally with out lights and get run over, ir i drive it with lights but without permission, and could loose my lisence and face +500 in fines…Wtf switzerland.
California and Massachusetts, US:Stuff like nunchucks. You can have pretend foam ones but you can’t have real ones. Like just let me spin s**t around in my backyard.
Sadly I can’t have a pet gorilla in the uk.
Your own sugarIt’s a crime to make sugar in Brazil.
Its illegal to have a knife in your lunch box with sandwiches and walk on public.Just if you want to peel a tomato or a cucumber you can end up in jail.Country, UK.
Dual citizenship in Ukraine.
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