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Most ridiculous laws in the UK

stupid laws
Some laws are made to be broken
Thursday, 19th August 2010
When I first arrived in England, I learnt that it was legal to kill a Scotsman in “somewhere” at “some time” if he did … “something”; obviously my memory fails me.

But it definitely got me thinking. It’s undeniable that there are some laws out there in the world that would raise a few eyebrows; some archaic, some funny, some redundant, and some just plain crazy!

For those of you who will be arriving for the first time and are not familiar with UK laws (although I am sure many of you who have lived here your whole life would be shocked at some of these as well), here is a list of the most ridiculous laws you will have to abide by when you get to the UK!

#5 It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament, London.

Source: E-listMania

Pressing charges against a dead man? Classy, I’d say, not to mention a little too late. Besides, the defendant would surely not get a fair trial, what with not being able to be present in court and all.

I wonder what the sentence for this crime is, anyway, a slap on the corpse’s wrist or a couple of years in prison? Perhaps the defendant is expected to carry out their sentence in their afterlife, the poor soul – literally.

In any case, keep in mind not to keel over the next time you’re visiting Big Ben. But really, there should be a sign there to warn the tourists as well: The dead will be prosecuted.

#4 A pregnant woman can legally relieve herself anywhere she wants, including in a policeman's helmet.

Source: Telegraph

I actually quite like this law, especially the fact that it includes a rather intriguing suggestion as to where I should relieve myself if I’m ever pregnant in the country.

#3a It is illegal for a cab in London to carry rabid dogs or corpses.

#3b In London, it is illegal to flag down a taxi if you have the plague.

Source: The Times

I thought the two laws deserved a joint third place and a big, HUGE, “Thank God for that!”

#2 In Chester, Welshmen are banned from entering the city before sunrise and from staying after sunset.

Source: The Times

Obviously, the English are very protective people. A bit worrying for us foreigners, I have to say.

#1 In the city of York it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow.

Source: Telegraph

And there you go, the correct version of my clearly distorted example of a ridiculous law at the very start of my article.

So, Freshers, think twice about going as a Scotsman at your next fancy dress party! And Scotsmen, just be careful.

Disclaimer: Some of these “laws” are obviously urban legends. The Yorker will not be affiliated with any prosecutions of Scotsmen or public urination.

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#1 Cieran Douglass
Tue, 24th Aug 2010 7:01pm

The Scotsman one is applied by the citizens of any city which has/had walls. At school we were always told it was Gloucester, but I've also heard it about London. I'd warrant that most of these are, in fact, false, which I see you acknowledge at the bottom...

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