You won’t believe these 3 comically outdated laws still on the books in Massachusetts!

Ah, Massachusetts. The land of the Boston Tea Party, the Red Sox, and chowder. This state has a rich history that is embedded in the United States’ cultural fabric, and with it comes some interesting laws. While some of these laws may have been necessary at the time they were enacted, they now seem comically outdated. Here are three such laws still on the books in Massachusetts.

1. No Silliness in Public

It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when the Massachusetts government felt the need to legislate against silliness, but that time was in fact in the 1600s. The law reads, “No person shall run or go on the Bridge or Bridges of Cambridge, or over the Canal, in a Trott or Gallop, or play at any Game, or make any Show or Ostentation of himself or themselves, to the Annoyance or Danger of the Inhabitants of said Towne.”

While it may be easy to make fun of such a law, it is important to remember that in the 17th century, people were much more prone to injury, and Cambridge was a much more rural and dangerous place than it is now. It’s also possible that the law was enacted to maintain order and prevent people from disturbing others. But regardless of the reasons behind the law, it’s clear that it has become comically outdated in modern times.

2. No Gossiping About Meetings

In 1636, the Massachusetts government passed a law that stated, “No person shall use any reproachful, reviling, or abusive words or speeches against any Courts of Justice, or any Judge or Justice of the same, or against the Governor or Council, or any member thereof.”

While this law may have made sense at the time, it is now considered to be comically outdated. In fact, it is difficult to imagine how such a law could be enforced, given that people are free to express their opinions in the United States. However, it is interesting to note that the law may have been enacted to prevent people from speaking ill of the government, which was an important issue at the time.

3. No Cursing on a Miniature Golf Course

Another interesting law that is still on the books in Massachusetts is one that prohibits people from cursing on a miniature golf course. The law reads, “Whoever shall play at Ten Pin, Bowl, Billiard, or other Game or Games, in any public Place or House, and shall curse or swear, or use any obscene Language, or behave in a rude or disorderly Manner, shall be liable to a Penalty of not less than ten nor more than twenty Shillings.”

While this law may have been enacted to maintain order and prevent people from disturbing others, it is now considered to be comically outdated. After all, it’s hard to imagine someone getting so upset over a miniature golf game that they would start cursing and behaving in a rude or disorderly manner.

While Massachusetts may be known for its rich history and cultural heritage, it’s clear that some of its laws have not stood the test of time. From prohibiting silliness on a bridge to preventing people from cursing on a miniature golf course, these laws may have made sense at the time they were enacted, but now they seem comically outdated. Nevertheless, they remain on the books, a reminder of a different era in American history.