Ten Weird Criminal Laws of the World – Part 1

Ahh criminal law – an instrument that supposedly reduces the prospects of people being harmed, punishes those who harm others, and maintains good order in society. 

But is it really?

Some criminal laws around the world might have us wondering whether they were thought up while on certain substances, or decreed by control freaks.

Here are 10 criminal offences which left some of us scratching our heads: 

1. England – Illegal to Hold a Salmon Under Certain Circumstances 

The Salmon Act of 1986 in England and Wales aims to update and strengthen previous legislation, such as the 1868 Salmon Fisheries Act. Section 32 of the Act creates an offence for handling salmon under suspicious circumstances. 

Specifically, it is illegal for anyone to receive or dispose of salmon if they believe it was illegally fished. This may seem like an unreasonable law, as it can be challenging to determine how one could “hold a salmon suspiciously.” The maximum penalty for this offence is two years in prison.

Additionally, the Act grants the Secretary of State the power to define different forms of fishing and what is or is not allowed. However, it’s unclear if the Secretary of State still actively exercises this authority today.

2. Milan, Italy – Must Smile at All Times 

In Milan, a city regulation dating back to Austro-Hungarian times – and never repealed – compels residents and visitors alike to maintain a cheerful demeanour, with fines levied against those who fail to obey. 

Historian Andrea Santangelo traces this peculiar law to a suggestion made by one Luigi Fabio. However, exemptions are granted for those attending funerals, working in hospitals, or visiting sick family members. 

The average tourist flocking to Milan in great numbers each year has little reason to be anything but carefree, as the vibrant city offers ample activities to keep you in a good mood for your holiday.

3. Canada – Radio Regulation 

Canadians are patriotic. As a result, Canadian law requires radio stations to devote 35% of their airtime to Canadian artists, emphasising weekday working hours. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) takes this further, sourcing over half of its “Popular Music” programming exclusively from Canadian artists, including widespread acts like Justin Bieber. 

Canada has highly detailed regulations governing music programming. For those who want to listen to the hot hits from around the world, there may be better options than visiting Canada. 

4. Sarpourenx, France – Burial Plot Ownership

The mayor of Sarpourenx issued an edict prohibiting people from dying within the city limits unless they had previously purchased a plot in a local parish cemetery. 

Those who violated this law by dying without a reserved plot would face severe punishment, although the specific consequences for the deceased remained unclear.

The mayor introduced this regulation after being informed that his parish could not acquire additional land to expand the number of available burial plots. He later apologised for any distress caused by the rule, an apology that ‘coincidentally’ came during the next election cycle. 

It’s worth noting that the town has a population of only 260 residents, which does little to simplify predicting one’s demise.

5. Scotland – Currency Destruction

Scotland has two famous laws that prohibit the destruction of money. Two separate regulations sanction different acts of altering currency. The first is the Currency and Banknotes Act of 1928, which states in Section 12 that any person who “prints or stamps, or by any like means impresses, on any banknote any words, letters or figures” shall be fined.

While the purpose of this prohibition is not explicitly stated, we can infer the reasoning behind it. Banknotes typically feature critical historical figures, such as monarchs, who are revered in that country. 

In the United Kingdom, the monarch appears on every banknote and coin. Given the British public’s profound respect for their kings and queens, it is understandable why defacing the monarch’s image would be considered scandalous and, therefore, forbidden by law.

The Coinage Act of 1971 specifically prohibits the destruction of money. The Act states that no person shall melt down or break up any metal coin currently in use or that has been used in the United Kingdom after May 16, 1969. The sanctions for non-compliance are severe, including fines of up to £400 or up to two years imprisonment.

The rationale behind this law is likely twofold. First, coins are the state’s property, so individuals should maintain their integrity while using them. Second, the law may aim to prevent the illegal forging of counterfeit currency or the unlawful sale of the raw materials (e.g. bronze, steel) that make up the coins.

6. Singapore – Chewing Gum

Singapore, one of the world’s most developed countries, has an unusual policy regarding chewing gum. While the substance is not outright illegal, the import and sale of chewing gum have been effectively banned in the country since 1995. 

That year, Singapore implemented the “Anti-chewing Gum Regulation” to promote cleanliness and avoid the costly problem of gum getting stuck on sidewalks. As a result, chewing gum is not available for purchase in Singapore shops. Visitors would be wise to bring their supplies, as the importation of chewing gum is prohibited, with few exceptions for therapeutic products or gum transiting through to other countries.

The penalties for violating this regulation are severe—offenders can face fines of up to 200,000 Singaporean dollars (which is currently around 227,000 Australian dollars) and/or three years in prison. So, while Singapore’s gum ban may seem strange for such an advanced nation, the government has taken a firm stance to maintain the country’s spotless reputation.

7. Oshawa, Canada – Climbing Trees

The Canadian city of Oshawa has enacted strict legislation to protect its trees. In 2008, the city adopted a law prohibiting any interference with trees on municipal property, including climbing or attaching objects to them. Additionally, the law makes injuring or destroying trees or any part of them illegal.

The legislation also includes even stricter provisions regarding tree planting. Specifically, only a person may plant trees on municipal property after obtaining the authorities’ written approval. Failure to comply with these prohibitions can result in fines under Canadian law.

8. Romania – Animal Ownership 

The Romanian Civil Code regulates the ownership of domestic animals that stray onto another person’s land. If the original owner does not reclaim the animal within 30 days, the landowner becomes the legal owner (Art. 576, Romanian Civil Code).

The code takes a different approach for wild animals. It states that creatures like pigeons, rabbits, and fish that pass over a piece of land belong to the landowner as long as they remain there willingly. However, if the animals’ presence was caused by fraud or fireworks, the landowner has no rights over them. 

The code also addresses honeybee swarms specifically – if a swarm crosses onto someone’s land, the landowner can claim ownership if the original beekeeper does not pursue and retrieve them within two days.

9. Denmark – Face Masks

In the year 2000, Denmark amended its Criminal Code to require individuals in public places to be readily identifiable. The law states that anyone participating in public gatherings or events must have their face fully uncovered.

Covering one’s face in a way that prevents identification is punishable by a fine or up to six months in prison. However, an exception is made for wearing masks to protect against the weather or for other recognised purposes, such as medical face masks during a pandemic.

10. Thailand – Shirtless Driving

The final weird criminal offence brings us back to Asia. In Thailand, it is illegal to drive a motorbike, car, or tuk-tuk without a shirt on, whether you are male or female. Although fines could be low, it isn’t worth risking your safety or security in a foreign country. 

As you can see, many tourists, visitors, and even residents might not think of these strange and unique laws when going about their daily lives. Staying current with the weirdest global laws can help you avoid any mishaps during your next vacation.

So there it is, ten of the world’s weirdest criminal laws.

Stay tuned for our second instalment!