5 Strange Michigan Laws Kept Under Wraps
Strange Laws in Michigan
Michigan has its fair share of unusual and outdated laws that may leave you scratching your head. From laws related to relationships to peculiar regulations on public behavior and animals, here are some of the strange laws that Michigan has kept under wraps.
Outdated Laws in Michigan
Michigan’s legal history is dotted with outdated laws that have not been removed from the books. For instance, under a 1931 law, a man could be charged with a five-year felony for seducing or debauching an unmarried woman, and adultery can also be considered a felony if the husband or wife of a cheating spouse complains or if a former couple lives together after getting divorced.
Curious Laws Related to Relationships
When it comes to relationships, some unusual laws have managed to stick around in Michigan. For example, it is illegal to be naked in public in any context, with an exemption for breastfeeding mothers added in 2014. However, going topless in public remains prohibited as breasts are considered indecent exposure.
Unusual Laws on Public Behavior
Michigan has some peculiar laws regarding public behavior. In Clawson, Michigan, it is illegal to bathe in your neighbor’s blood, which was likely created to deter any harmful acts between neighbors. Additionally, in Rochester, Michigan, it is illegal to bathe in a tub without wearing a bathing suit, reflecting the desire to maintain public decency and order within the community.
Peculiar Laws on Animals and Pets
When it comes to animals and pets, Michigan has a few quirky regulations. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, pigs can be seen, but only if they are ring-free. This law hints at the regulation of ownership and containment of certain animals within city limits. Additionally, in Clawson, Michigan, it is forbidden to bathe a dog without a permit.
Quirky Laws on Sundays
In Michigan, a 1953 law prohibits individuals and corporations from selling cars on Sundays. This law, rooted in historical blue laws that enforced restrictions on certain activities on Sundays, still holds in the state of Michigan.
Rarely Enforced Laws in Michigan
Michigan also has some rarely enforced laws that remain on the books. For example, there is a law that states a woman’s hair legally belongs to her husband in Kalamazoo, and businesses popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries called “bucket shops,” which involved betting based on stock prices of certain goods, were banned in Michigan by an archaic law.
While these strange laws may seem perplexing, it’s important to note that many of them are rarely enforced or have been overshadowed by more recent legislation. Nonetheless, they offer an interesting glimpse into Michigan’s legal history and the peculiarities that have found their way into the state’s statutes.