Weird Laws: True or False Edition

In line with our weekly blogs of weird laws across the nation, we continue our true or false edition of weird laws.  Last week we saw some random laws from Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New Mexico.  Let’s see some weird laws from these next 5 states!

True or False:

New York

“The penalty for jumping off a building is death.”

SORT OF TRUE.  That is, if you are still alive to see the light of day.  I do not understand how this law can be enforced.  Once you jump off a building isn’t death the immediate penalty?  Apparently, the law punishes people, “who leap off structures more than 50 ft without a permit.”  These individuals would face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.

North Carolina

“The mere possession of a lottery ticket is illegal in North Carolina and may result in a $2,000 fine.”

FALSE.  Even though it was once illegal to possess a lottery ticket in North Carolina, this law has since been repealed.  The law basically prohibited a person from carrying or promoting a lottery.  Every person who did so was guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor, which included a fine of up to $2,000.  Even people merely in possession of a lottery ticket would have to pay the $2,000 fine.

North Dakota

“Beer and pretzels can’t be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.”

TRUE.  I’m not sure why, but apparently this law is on the books.  My guess is that legislatures in North Dakota don’t want to encourage people sitting in a bar eating pretzels for every meal while drinking beer.  Perhaps they are trying to encourage healthy nutritious eating habits.  Who knows?  My guess is as good as yours.

Ohio

“It is illegal for more than five women to live in a house.”

TRUE.  But what if they’re all sisters?  Although this law is on the books, I doubt it is actually enforced today.  It most likely dates back hundreds of years and was probably meant to deter prostitution and brothels.

Oklahoma

“Tattoos are banned.”

FALSE.  However, this law was true until 1996.  The law was originally enacted in 1963 mainly for health and safety reasons, specifically to eliminate fears of the spread of hepatitis and HIV.

You’ll have to wait until next week for the next 5 states!  Are there any weird laws that you thought were false but ended up being true?