Quirky Laws Through the Ages

⚖️ 📜 Ever wondered about the quirkiest old laws still on the books?

Here are a few fun examples that prove our legal history can lead to more questions than answers.

Back in 2002, Leon Humphreys tried to settle a parking fine by invoking trial by combat, a law that goes back to the 1066 Norman Conquest. ⚔️

While the DVLA wasn’t keen to offer up a staff member to a sword fight, his request for a duel was logged in court as a “not guilty” plea. In the end, the magistrates fined him £200 with £100 in costs. It's a quirky reminder that some ancient laws are still technically on the books, even if they don’t have a place in modern society.

Here’s another gem: Section 54 of the 1839 Metropolitan Police Act states it is illegal to carry a plank of wood along a pavement. This was a law intended to help keep thoroughfares clear of obstructions.

Zany laws aren’t just an ancient phenomenon either. In 1986, it became illegal to handle salmon in suspicious circumstances. 🐟 So, no fishy business! The silliness of this salmon law seems to be down to poor wording that’s open to interpretation (such as carrying salmon down a dark alleyway).

Often, old laws linger because of inertia in the legal system. Updating or repealing laws can be a lengthy process, and instead outdated laws are sometimes simply overlooked.

What’s the most unusual law you’ve come across?

 ⬇️ Share your favourites below.  ⬇️