Nevada: In Eureka, it is illegal for you to kiss a woman if you have mustaches. 
New Hampshire: It is unlawful to collect seaweed at night. 
New Jersey: You may not murder someone while you are wearing a bulletproof vest. 
New Mexico: It’s forbidden for a female to appear unshaven in public (Carrizozo, New Mexico). 
New York: Sliced or “altered” bagels carry an eight cents sales tax. 
North Carolina: It’s against the law to sing off-key. 
North Dakota: It is illegal to set off fireworks after 11 pm. 
Ohio: Coal mines must provide toilet paper. And it is illegal to get fish drunk. 
Oklahoma: It is illegal to be involved in a horse tripping event or wrestle a bear. 
Oregon: Engaging in a test of physical endurance while driving is strictly prohibited. 
Pennsylvania: It is illegal to sing in the bath and to use dynamite to catch fish. 
Rhode Island: It is unlawful to impersonate an auctioneer. 
South Carolina: It is illegal to work or dance on Sundays. 
South Dakota: Farmers can set off fireworks to protect their sunflower crops. 
Tennessee: Panhandlers must apply for a permit. 
Texas: A program has been created that attempts to modify and control the weather. Additionally, you can be 
considered legally married by publicly announcing a person as your wife/husband by saying it 3 times. 
Utah: It is illegal to fish with a crossbow. 
Vermont: A woman cannot wear false teeth without her husband’s permission. 
Virginia: It’s against the law for a woman to drive a car in Main Street unless her husband is walking in front of 
the car waving a red flag. 
Washington: You cannot buy meat of any kind on Sunday. Additionally, a motorist with criminal intentions 
must stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town. Most importantly, you can 
be arrested or fined for harassing Bigfoot. 
West Virginia: While whistling underwater is prohibited, you may take roadkill home for supper. 
Wisconsin: It is illegal to serve margarine and their cheese must be “highly pleasing.” 
Wyoming: You may not take a picture of a rabbit from January to April without an official permit. 
2 
Conclusion 
We can look at criminal justice policy through three perspectives: theoretical, political, and practical. The 
2. Isaac. J. (2009). The Wacky World of Laws. San Diego, CA: Lawyer In Blue Jeans Group Publishing. Reader’s Digest Editors (n.d.). 
Here are 50 of the dumbest laws in every state. Reader’s Digest. Retrieved: https://www.rd.com/funny-stuff/dumbest-laws-america/ 
Triangle Realty. (2018). Unusual Laws in Texas. Retrieved https://www.trianglerealtyllc.com/unusual-laws-in-texas/ 
Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
155