Weird Laws in Maryland

Information may not be reliable

All states have their fair share of weird or eccentric laws and Maryland is no exception. Many of these laws were put into effect in the past and no longer have any bearing on contemporary 21st century social or business structure.

The following laws provide a little insight into some of Maryland's unusual laws that are no longer practiced today yet continue as part of the state's legal system.

Newspaper Theft

It is not lawful for you to steal or “monopolize” public newspapers in an effort to keep others from reading them. This law apparently came into being as a result of some University of Maryland students hoarding large quantities of newspapers as part of a protest to inhibit anyone reading them. The law still stands today and if found guilty, violators face a fine of up to $500, the possibility of being thrown in jail for up to 60 days or both.

Sale or Coloring of a Baby Chick

It is against the law in Maryland to sell or barter a baby chick to minors a week before Easter. In like manner, painting, dying or otherwise changing the natural hue of a baby chick such as in celebration of Easter or St. Patrick’s Day, for example, is a misdemeanor in the state.

Adultery is Against the Law in Maryland

If you have relations with another person that is not your legal husband or wife, you can be tried and convicted for adultery which carries a fine of $10.00.

No Swearing on Highway

You cannot swear or use profanity on or near public streets, sidewalks or highways within earshot of others. Those who violate this law will be charged with a misdemeanor.

Baltimore Laws

While there are many crazy laws that apply throughout the state, you can also find some weird laws that are city specific. Baltimore has its share of unusual laws, here are but a few:

·         By law, Baltimore residents are not allowed to scrub their sinks, regardless of how filthy they may be.

·         On Sundays, it is against the law for residents to play croquet on a professional level before 2:00 p.m.

·         If you are the proud owner of a jackass, you are responsible to document all services performed by your beast.

·         It is against the law to bring a real lion with you to the movie cinema.

·         If you live within Baltimore city limits, you cannot toss bales of hay out of the 2^nd story window of your home or business.

·         Those placing boxes on public sidewalks can be fined up to $1.00 for blocking the walkway.

·         As crazy as it may seem, it is a violation of public park rules to be found on the premises wearing a shirt without sleeves. This includes joggers in the middle of summer.

Maryland’s crazy laws take us back to a time when life was simpler and give us fair reason to laugh at how things used to be. For information on current criminal laws check with a Maryland criminal attorney to make sure you are up to date.