INTRODUCTION
Ever thought your waistline might get you in trouble? In Japan, they have the law to keep it in check! But that’s hardly the only quirky regulation around the globe. From odd rules about naming something to bizarre restrictions on public behavior, some of the world’s most peculiar laws give us a glimpse into the values, oddities, and struggles of the societies that wrote them.
The history behind each odd law is fascinating and depends on cultural, as well as historical context. These quirky laws, though bizarre, reveal the values and priorities of the societies that created them. Learning the cultural and historical context of these laws explains away the apparent absurdity and details the conditions that necessitated them.
Let’s dive into some strange laws around the world that still exist.
In Sarpourenx, France, you must secure a grave before you go.
In Sarpourenx, France, you’d better organize your death in advance. The village has a quirky law against residents dying within town limits unless they’ve sent in a reservation for a plot in the local cemetery.
- A Law Born Out of Limited Space
In 2008, the mayor’s edict was passed [1]– in response to the lack of space in the cemetery. Since dead people can’t technically be punished, the law humorously highlights the absurdity that nothing is punishable for violating it.
- The Absurdity of the Law
This strange law came after the mayor was told the town could no longer buy land for more burial plots. While the mayor did find time to apologize for the ruling (note that it happened near the next election), this law speaks to the difference between small towns with less land.[2]
In Sarpourenx, the afterlife comes with a waiting list!
Keeping your waistline in check is a law in Japan
In Japan, being slim is highly valued, and now there’s even a law about waist size. Many are trying hard to stay in shape to prevent health issues and meet the government’s waistline requirement.
- The Metabo Law and Its Purpose
This law, known as “metabo” refers to a mix of health risks like belly fat, elevated blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which can result in serious problems like heart disease and diabetes.
- Waistline Limits for Healthier Living
Concerned about the increasing number of health issues in older people, Japanese lawmakers established a limit on waist size for those aged 40 and up. For men, the maximum is set at 85 centimeters (33.5 inches), while for women, it’s 90 centimeters (35.4 inches).[3]
In Japan, how big your waist is could influence not just your health but also your future.
No Gas? No Excuse! It is illegal to run out of fuel in Youngstown, Ohio
In Youngstown, Ohio, running out of gas isn’t just an inconvenience, it could lead to legal trouble. The city enforces a law that makes it illegal to run out of fuel in specific districts.
- The Fuel Requirement
According to the Codified Ordinance 331.44[4] requires drivers in the congested district bounded by Chestnut, Walnut, Boardman, and Commerce Streets to ensure they have enough fuel to leave the area.
- Penalties for Running Out of Fuel
If you run out of gas, the penalties are severe: a first offense is a minor misdemeanor, a second offense within a year is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and any subsequent offenses within the same period are third-degree misdemeanors.
The law aims to keep traffic moving, so don’t let your fuel gauge be your last stop!
It is illegal to feed pigeons in Venice
In Venice, the pigeons may have to fend for themselves as feeding pigeons is illegal in the city, particularly in the popular St. Mark’s Square.
- Reason Behind the Ban
The city introduced the ban to control the growing population of pigeons, blamed for spreading filth and damaging the city’s historic monuments. Anyone caught feeding the pigeons faces fines ranging from $80 to $775.
- Controversy Surrounding the Law
While the law is intended to preserve the beauty of Venice and reduce the mess caused by the birds, it has sparked protests from local vendors who have been selling pigeon feed for years, as well as some tourists who enjoy feeding the birds.[5]
- Venice’s Dilemma- Balancing Beauty and Practicality
The law remains controversial, but it’s clear that Venice is trying to balance its historical charm with the practical challenges of urban wildlife. Looks like the pigeons will have to look for other sources of snacks now.
Chewing gum ban in Singapore
Chewing gum is a no-go zone in Singapore. The Singapore chewing gum ban, which became effective on January 3, 1992, banned the sale, import, and manufacture of chewing gum.
- Why was chewing gum banned?
The reason was to address the increasing problem of gum litter that obstructed public services, primarily the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Chewing gum stuck on MRT train doors resulted in delays, and littered gum was a problem when cleaning public areas.
- Strict Penalties for Rule Breakers
The ban carried severe penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and imprisonment for habitual offenders.
- Public Reaction – Too Extreme or Necessary?
Some citizens welcomed the ban as an effective means of keeping their place clean, while others argued it was too extreme. Indeed, the ban on regular chewing gum effectively cut down on gum litter. By 1993, instances of the litter had declined from twenty-five per day to just two.
- A Partial Lift- The Return of Dental Gum
The sale of dental chewing gum, however, was partially unbanned in 2004 due to trade negotiations with the U.S., but regular chewing gum remains banned. Singapore’s streets will probably remain gum-free, one chew at a time.[6]
Drunk in a pub? It is illegal in the UK
In the UK, getting too tipsy in public comes with a price. The United Kingdom’s laws on public drunkenness, particularly in licensed premises, aim to promote responsible drinking and maintain public order.
- The Licensing Act 1872 – No Public Drunkenness
Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872[7] makes it illegal to be drunk in public places, including pubs, despite them being venues where alcohol consumption is central. This law serves to deter excessive drinking that might lead to disorderly behavior.[8]
- Selling alcohol to drunk customers is prohibited
Further, Section 141 of Licensing Act 2003[9] prohibits selling alcohol to individuals who are already drunk or obtaining alcohol for someone visibly intoxicated. These provisions encourage responsible behavior from pub staff and patrons, ensuring a balanced approach to alcohol consumption.
In the UK, it’s all about having a good time, without crossing the line.
You cannot give your child a unisex name in Denmark
In Denmark, your name is decided by the law, not just your parents. Denmark has strict naming laws, and unisex names are strictly prohibited.
- Strict gender-Based Naming Rules
Danish law allows names to be approved for one gender and not the other. There are a few exceptions, but Denmark is one of only three countries that have such a ban, whereas Germany case-by-case assesses gender-neutral names. Despite the global rise in unisex names, Denmark’s laws are increasingly viewed as outdated, reinforcing a gender binary and limiting name diversity.
- Your name, but not your choice
Parents must select from an approved list of 7,000 names or go through a complex approval process involving the church and government. The law also mandates that children must have a first and last name by six months. In Denmark, your name is a matter of law, not just choice.[10]
Cactus protection in Arizona- A crime to cut one down
Think cutting down a cactus is harmless? In Arizona, cutting down a saguaro cactus without permission is a grave crime, which can lead to up to 25 years of imprisonment.
- Why such a strict law?
While the maximum penalty is not mandatory for everyone, those who intentionally harm these protected plants can face severe consequences. The reason? The saguaro cactus takes up to 200 years to fully mature, making it an irreplaceable part of the ecosystem.
- A slow-growing, vulnerable giant
The cactus may only be 10 years old, measuring less than two inches in height, at this age, thus vulnerable to human activity. Since saguaros do not regrow as fast as trees, damage caused cannot be reversed within generations.
Of course, it’s a hard law, but it shows the state’s efforts toward the protection of these wonderful species and their habitat.
Think again. In Arizona, it’s not just a cactus, it’s a legacy.[11]
CONCLUSION
These strange laws may seem odd, but they reflect a society’s culture, history, and priorities, addressing issues like public order, health, and the environment.
Some laws, like Japan’s waistline regulations, stem from public health priorities, while others, such as Arizona’s cactus protection law, highlight the importance of environmental preservation. In many cases, these laws may appear absurd at first glance but ultimately reveal the values and challenges of the societies that enforce them.
While some of these regulations may seem outdated or excessive, they demonstrate how legal systems evolve to govern unique aspects of daily life. Whether preventing pigeon overpopulation in Venice or banning chewing gum in Singapore, these laws provide a fascinating glimpse into the priorities of different cultures and how they tackle their peculiar problems.
Ultimately, these quirky laws remind us that sometimes, the most unusual rules are born out of real-world needs and cultural values.
Author(s) Name: Kripa Daryani (Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS Mumbai)
Reference
[1] Andrew Dobbie, ‘French Mayor tells locals not to die’ (Reuters, 5 March 2008) <https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/french-mayor-tells-locals-not-to-die-idUSL05520766/> accessed 27 January 2025
[2] Declan Peters, ‘10 Weird Laws from Around the World’ (The Lawyer Portal, 13 March 2023) <https://www.thelawyerportal.com/blog/top-10-weirdest-laws-around-world/> accessed 24 December 2024
[3] David Nakamura, ‘Fat in Japan? You are breaking the law.’ (The World, 16 June 2010) <https://theworld.org/stories/2017/03/10/fat-japan-youre-breaking-law> accessed on 24 December 2024
[4] Youngstown (Ohio) Codified Ordinances, Title 5, Chapter 331, § 331.44
[5] Luigi Costantini, ‘When in Venice, please don’t feed the pigeons’ (NBC News, 1 May 2008) <https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24390018> accessed on 24 December 2024
[6] Sharon Teng & Timothy Pwee ‘chewing gum ban’ (National Library Board Singapore, 3 April 2014) <https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=8d4408cb-eb2d-4604-921e-7fa55f51baf3> accessed on 24 December 2024
[7] License Act 2003, s 12
[8] Kristen Richard, ‘Why It’s Illegal to Get Drunk in an English Pub’ (Food&Wine, 6 May 2024) <https://www.foodandwine.com/being-drunk-illegal-england-8644155> accessed on 24 December 2024
[9] License Act 2003
[10] Kaitlin Allen, ‘What’s in a Name?: In Denmark It’s More Complicated Than You Think’ ( Michigan State University International Law review, 11 September 2018) <https://www.msuilr.org/msuilr-legalforum-blogs/2018/9/11/whats-in-a-name-in-denmark-its-more-complicated-than-you-think#_ftn34> accessed on 24 December 2024
[11] LawInfo Staff, ‘Cutting Down a Cactus in Arizona Could Result in Prison Time’ (LawInfo) <https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/criminal-defense/arizona/cutting-down-a-cactus-in-arizona-could-result.html> accessed on 24 December 2024
