Sitting around last night talking about some of the mischief we got into as teenagers, all agreed that authorities operated in those days with a degree of leniency unseen today. We got away with a lot, and on one or two rare occasions it was a type of “mischief” the law doesn’t overlook today. That shouldn’t be too surprising now, when population numbers are higher, traffic is heavier and accidents more frequent. Criminal behavior is also more common today, and with these developments, laws and the enforcement of them has become more rigid.
With that in mind, consider at the same time that Louisiana has some crazy state laws on the books. You have to wonder just how enthusiastic the authorities are about enforcing some of these laws. Here are a few examples from a list of unusual Louisiana laws—no kidding.
It is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.
Biting someone with your natural teeth is simple assault, while biting someone with your false teeth is aggravated assault.
Prisoners who hurt themselves could serve an additional two years in jail.
No one may pour a drink out on the ground at any drive-in movie.
Mardi Gras beads may not be thrown from a third story window in New Orleans.
City Commission members may not drink during a public meeting or risk a $50 fine.
It is illegal to practice voodoo in the city limits.
In New Orleans snakes are not allowed within 200 yards of the Mardi Gras parade route.
Condoms may not be thrown from parade floats during Mardi Gras.
No one may throw a bottle of Coke at a Mardi Gras parade float, or any other passing float.
It is illegal to have sex with a cow.
It is illegal to be an alcoholic.
Saying obscene things on the telephone is illegal.
Not sure how long this law has been on the books, but certainly in today’s market Louisiana crawfish are a valuable commodity. Chances are good that like any other hot item, some people look for a shortcut…
Stealing crawfish carries a penalty of jail time with or without hard labor. Stealing more than $500 worth of crawfish carries a term of ten years in prison; theft of less than $500 worth of crawfish calls for two years, and any amount under $300 a six-month jail term. Hard labor is an optional punishment in each case.
Well, forget all those other crazy laws. It's obvious how seriously the people of Louisiana take their crawfish eating. Steal my wife, my car, my cow, but it's hard labor, honey, if you steal my crawfish.
ReplyDeleteI had asked if you would get me some crawfish and bring back for me to put in my freezer. PLEASE PLEASE don't steal them.
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