Not so long ago the Homestead Act, which allowed immigrants to the Wild West and Alaska to qualify for free land and seed money to develop them, was finally repealed. To qualify, one had to be a citizen of the country, not commit serious violations of its existing laws, and support the current government. The Covenant came into force in 1863, and was abolished only in 1976 (in all U.S., except Alaska) and 1986 (in Alaska).
Also, American law is famous for its ridiculous bills that do function. However, some of them are almost impossible to violate, and in another case it is impossible to trace the violation itself. A few of the most interesting and ridiculous laws:
- In New York State and Alabama, it is illegal to walk around on Sundays with an ice cream cone in the back pocket of your pants.
- Also in New York, jumping from a skyscraper is punishable by death.
- In South Carolina, it is illegal to keep a horse in a bathtub.
- In Missouri, every unmarried man between the ages of 21 and 50 pays an extra $1 tax.
- In New Jersey, assassins who prepare an assassination attempt are not allowed to wear a bulletproof vest.
- In Alaska, it is forbidden to view moose from an airplane that is in the air.
- In Arkansas, all dogs are prohibited from barking after 6 p.m., though it is not specified what the penalty for doing so would be for the dog and/or its owner.
- In Florida, you can’t shower naked, but no one adheres to this law.
- In North Dakota, you can’t sleep with your shoes on.
- Also in Alaska, you can’t throw a moose off an airplane.
- In Arizona, you can’t sleep with a donkey/ass in the bathroom.
- In West Virginia, men are allowed to have intercourse with animals that weigh no more than 18 pounds.