It’s highly probably that as you’ve done your law research, you’ve come across a few, strange, terribly, hilarious legal statutes that — for some unknown reason — are still on the U.S.’s law books today, despite having no apparent legislative intent, but did you know that we’re not alone? There are tons of other countries with bizarre legal statutes. Here are just a few of the weirdest ones!
In Australia, Only a Qualified Electrician Can Change a Light Bulb.
Believe it or not, Victoria, Australia has a legal statute expressly forbidding any of its citizens from changing a lightbulb. If you try to change a light bulb in the country’s second most populated state, you could receive a fine of up to $10 AU, which is a little bit more than $8 USD. The weird thing is is that it’s probably cheaper to get the fine than it is to actually hire an electrician, unless they offer special rates and discounts.
In England, Don’t Die in Parliament.
In England, there’s a legal statute that actually makes it illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. Upon doing some legislative history research, it was revealed that this legal statute was voted in 2007 as the most ludicrous law in the United Kingdom. So keep in mind if you’re ever visiting the old country, don’t die in the government. If you do, just walk it off.
In Japan, You’re Not Allowed to Be Fat.
Of all the legal statutes that appear on this list, this one has to be the most insane. Japan, the very nation that brought the world sumo wrestling, has made it illegal to be fat. In 2009, legislators set a maximum waistline. Each and every single man over the age of 40-years-old must not have a waistline measuring over 31 inches, and every woman can’t have one measuring over 35 inches.
These are just some of the most bizarre legal statutes out there in the wide world. If you know of any others, feel free to share in the comments.