You might think you are a law-obeying citizen, but what if there are no laws against it? While many outdated and bizarre laws are in place worldwide, there are also many things Americans believe to be illegal, but they aren’t. The USA is fascinating because what’s legal in one state might not be in another, so the confusion comes from this. Here are just some of the things that might not be against the law, and one includes owning a pet bear.
Spanking in school
You might be surprised to learn that spanking is legal in nearly half of the U.S. Although it was banned in New Jersey in 1867, corporal punishment is legal in 17 states and practiced in 12. Among those states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Texas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
You can count cards
Counting cards is not illegal. It is not cheating since you are only using your brain. However, many believe it to be unlawful because a casino can throw you out if you affect its earnings or discourage other players. Casinos are privately owned businesses and can ban you based on their rules.
Marriage between cousins
You can even legally marry your first cousin in some states, but things are more complex than they appear. First, only 24 states have bans against marriage between cousins, so it is a legal activity in most of the country. Staggering 19 U.S. states allow marriages between first cousins, while seven will enable some marriage among first cousins. However, there are still numerous obstacles, like in Arizona, where the couple must be over 65. Although widely permitted, it may come with special conditions depending on the state.
Marriage between stepsiblings
Every state allows you to marry your stepsibling despite the topic being treated as some major taboo. The explanation is simple: these couples are not at risk of having kids with genetic defects due to being close blood relatives. Still, depending on your state, you might want to check for updates regarding specific limitations.
Women can go shirtless, just like men
Most states allow women to go bare-chested, sans bras, though this law is pretty new in six states: Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. It is illegal in Indiana and Tennessee but perfectly legal in the rest of the country.
Filming in public
You can film people in public as long as it is not invasive, such as in a public restroom. Though this rule is clear, there are other challenges, so it often depends on the specific situation. To be shielded from lawsuits, avoid recording people’s faces.
Recording conversations
In most states, you can record people without their knowledge, which is known as one-party consent. However, this is not the case in 10 states, including California, Florida, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington. The situation is most challenging in Connecticut and Nevada, where the law says it depends on one situation.
You can sleep in your car
Sleeping in cars is primarily legal, but it comes with numerous restrictions. You must park legally, be sober, and not use your car as a hotel. For example, in Florida, you can nap for three hours, while in Delaware, you have four hours. However, it is illegal in some states, including Louisiana, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Check state laws before attempting to replace a motel room with your vehicle.
Loopholes for minors drinking alcohol
Everyone knows that the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21. Yet, in the majority of states, minors can have a drink in the presence of parents and their consent. In half of the states, minors can take a drink for religious reasons, and in 16, for medical reasons. Only six states allow minors to drink on private property without parental consent.
Home burials
You can bury a loved one in all 50 states. Still, you have to take precautions regarding contagious or infectious diseases and check zoning laws and other ordinances that are usually related to the area where you live, not the state’s laws. If your loved one wanted a home (yard) burial, it is best to contact a specialist.
Arsenic in food is okay
The FDA seeks to limit the use of arsenic, but there is no national or state-level ban. Arsenic has been found in numerous foods, including all organic fruits. The foods highest in arsenic are seafood, rice, mushrooms, and poultry. Some states, like Maryland and California, have banned it from being used as baby food. Other states are working on laws that would limit it due to its links with a number of cancers.
Outside food in restaurants
It is not illegal to bring food from one fast-food restaurant to another. However, it could violate a health code, so it might not be the best idea. You are banned from bringing alcoholic drinks into restaurants.
Going shoeless
No law prohibits grocery shopping or eating at your favorite restaurant without shoes. However, you should remember that most restaurants or malls have specific sets of rules to reject your barefoot feet. It is also not recommended to go barefoot due to potential injuries.
Owning exotic animals
Can you have a monkey pet? Yes, with restrictions. Can you have a bear? If you live in Alabama, Delaware, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, you can. You can have a bear in Idaho, the Dakotas, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island with a permit. Exotic animal laws are determined by states, but just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
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Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.