The Strangest Laws in the Land [Infographic]

The United States is famous for more than its status as a world power. The nation’s maintenance of antiquated laws – considered stupid in our modern era – has long been a humorous topic. In Alabama, for example, there is a law that prohibits both disguises and laughter inside of a church. In 1888, a man named Williams wore a fake mustache along with his Sunday best and was charged with disrupting a religious service. His appeal to justice was denied since his false mustache was worn “intentionally” and was “an act in its nature rude”. A law prohibiting the exploitation of bears is another Alabama gem that can result in fines, imprisonment or loss of bear custody for the offending parties. What exactly is bear exploitation, you ask? It involves engaging a bear in a wrestling match, receiving money for said wrestling match or surgically altering a bear for purposes of exploitation, including tooth or claw removal. If you were planning on hosting a bear wrestling match, it’s not recommended that you do so in Alabama.

The United States is famous for more than its status as a world power. The nation’s maintenance of antiquated laws – considered stupid in our modern era – has long been a humorous topic.

In Alabama, for example, there is a law that prohibits both disguises and laughter inside of a church. In 1888, a man named Williams wore a fake mustache along with his Sunday best and was charged with disrupting a religious service. His appeal to justice was denied since his false mustache was worn “intentionally” and was “an act in its nature rude”.

A law prohibiting the exploitation of bears is another Alabama gem that can result in fines, imprisonment or loss of bear custody for the offending parties. What exactly is bear exploitation, you ask? It involves engaging a bear in a wrestling match, receiving money for said wrestling match or surgically altering a bear for purposes of exploitation, including tooth or claw removal. If you were planning on hosting a bear wrestling match, it’s not recommended that you do so in Alabama.