Rhode Island laws are no different from any other state’s in that they are ever evolving. This means that sometimes antiquated laws get left behind. This is because either they are forgotten about in the concern for other legal actions or they aren’t known to exist. However, there are initiatives to overhaul Rhode Island laws and clean up the leftovers that have been left behind.
Does it Matter?
It might not seem like a big deal if there are laws that are old and antiquated. Most find them funny and don’t care much after that. However, there is a little bit of worry from those who are worried about the current state of the justice system. It is not uncommon for those who are familiar with the law to use lesser known laws to detain someone. Whether this is because they want to charge them with another crime or because of some desire to detain the person, it isn’t right. And that is the reason that some people want the laws changed and the ones that aren’t relevant removed.
Some Antiquated Examples
- Cap guns are illegal
- Ropes may not be strung across a highway
- No one may bite off another’s leg
- Any marriage where either of the parties is an idiot or lunatic is null and void
- It is considered an offense to throw pickle juice on a trolley
- Rhode Island recently applied to the US Government to make all the coastal waters of Rhode Island a “No Discharge Zone”
- Impersonating a town sealer, auctioneer, corder of wood, or a fence-viewer is against the law
- Riding a horse over any public highway for the purpose of racing, or testing the speed of the horse is illegal
- Exercising any labor, business, or work, or using any game, sport, play, or recreation, or causing any of the above to be done to or by your children, servants, or apprentices on the first day of the week (Sunday) results in a penalty of $5 for the first offense and $10 for the second
- Professional sports, except ice polo and hockey, must obtain a license to play games on Sunday
- One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left
City Laws in Rhode Island
Newport
You cannot smoke a pipe after sunset.
Providence
- There is not an appeals process for exemption of property tax due to a disability or poverty
- It is illegal to wear transparent clothing
- You may not sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same customer on a Sunday
Scituate
It is illegal to drive down any street with beer in your car, even if it is unopened.
West Warwick
It is illegal to use water on even-numbered days for the sole purpose of watering plants, gardens, or lawns.
If you find yourself detained for one of these laws, don’t stress out or be embarrassed. There is a bigger problem at play and you need someone who will represent you well.
You will need someone who can understand these laws and knows how to defend you when you are against them. This means that you don’t want someone fresh out of law school or someone who isn’t experienced in Rhode Island laws.
You need someone with a lot of knowledge in this field so that you aren’t given a second-rate defense. This is not something that just anyone can do, so make sure that you have someone who will take care of you.
Call 401.421.1440 to schedule a free consultation with top Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyers of the Law Office of John E. MacDonald.
