Illegal Cowboy Boots, and Other Such Nonsense
By: Sid Phillips
I’ve decided to make an illustrated story about how unjust and stupid laws can be in some places. So far in my research I have found some very funny laws from various places, as well as laws against homosexuals and some discussion against Muslim law versus basic human rights as declared by the UN declaration of human rights of 1948.
Questions and topics of my research:
--> What are some whacky laws?
Well I’ve discovered that there are some pretty crazy laws out there the give punishments under very odd and specific circumstances. For others it is merely the punishment given. For example: Did you know that in Chico, CA the fine for detonating a nuclear device within the city limits is just $500? And in Thailand the fine for throwing away chewed bubble gum on the sidewalk is $600 dollars? When you see these two circumstances and their fines it seems like quite an odd thing to fine more for throwing away bubble gum than blowing up a nuclear bomb. While other laws are just funny. In Blythe, CA you are not permitted to wear cowboy boots unless you already own at least two cows. And in the Philippines, apparently, cars whose license plates end with a 1 or 2 are not allowed on the roads on Monday, 3 or 4 on Tuesday, 5 or 6 on Wednesday, 7 or 8 on Thursday, and 9 or 0 on Friday from 7:00 AM.
--> What are some laws that are prejudiced against a race?
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--> What are some laws that are prejudiced against a certain sex?
Well in the Muslim law system women are thought to be inferior and their rights are restricted in several ways. For one thing, their testimony in a court of law is worth only half of what a man’s would be. Their movement in and out of the country is severely restricted and they cannot marry any non-Muslim.
In many other developing countries these rules aren’t as strict but women are deemed far less capable than men. When a boy is born into a family they receive many congratulations because when he becomes a man he will inherit his father’s property and get a job to help support the family. But when a girl is born some mothers even cry because a girl, according to these beliefs, is just another expense. They cannot inherit and are kept at home, not expected to get a proper job.
--> What makes a law stupid or unjust?
A stupid or unjust law is one that accuses or punishes people undeserved and for absurd or ridiculous reasons.
--> Laws that limit scientific progress
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--> Why do some people/countries think this is right?
In most countries it is just how those people were raised that teaches them that all their laws and beliefs are the only way. However, this is not the case for all people of those countries, but the few people that do disagree are, more often than not, severely punished.
--> How does religion influence laws in different countries?
The most prevalent example of this is in Muslim law, as mentioned above. Muslim law is not only biased towards men but against other religions as well. Non-Muslims have far fewer rights in a Muslim country than they should. Non-Muslims are not allowed to testify against a Muslim. Meaning a Muslim may rob a non-Muslim in his home as long as the non-Muslim himself is the only witness. Also, non-Muslims are forbidden to practice their religion, build churches, possess Bibles etc. Atheists (“non believers”) are treated even worse: in Muslim countries they do not have “the right to life” and are to be killed.
In the Muslim law, Muslims are not allowed to change their religion either, which is punishable by death. Here’s how one commentator Baydawi explains just how he feels about Muslims changing their religion: -- “Whosoever turns back from his belief, openly or secretly, take him and kill him wheresoever you find him, like any other infidel. Separate yourself from him altogether. Do not accept intercession in his regard”. On the other hand though, Muslims are quite happy to accept converts to their religion.
--> Laws that limit communication
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--> Nation security used as an excuse to exercise unjust laws
This is mainly an issue in western countries that feel there is a significant enough threat of terrorism to elude human rights to privacy. After the incident of 9/11 a law was passed in the United States that the government may tap the phone line of any suspected terrorist without a warrant. And at the Guantanamo military prison suspected terrorists were being imprisoned and tortured without trial or proper evidence
I’ve been having trouble finding pertinent information that directly answers my remaining questions. I particularly want to continue to explore the issues of laws limiting scientific development and communication as these relate to my personal issue at school about being allowed to use computers in class. I’m looking forward to making a completed project that is both informative and amusing. Stay tuned…
*** - I’ve been having trouble finding information to fill these areas and could use some assistance.
