Dumb and Stupid Laws in Arizona

Janet Trieschman
Dumbness and stupidity can be found at the highest levels of our society. The law is not exempt from examples of stupidity. And it is found far and wide across our country in each and every state. All states have weird and dumb laws on the books. It is often more time consuming and costly to have them removed, so there they sit. They usually aren't acted upon but they are legal and binding and can be enacted upon if an officer of the law wanted to do so. Some are actually new and have been used recently. How strange are Arizona's weird laws? Here are the top five strangest laws in Arizona. These are listed here in descending order for your entertainment. It is hoped that you would not use them to enact a citizen's arrest! Talk about dumb and stupid!

Number 5
It is unlawful to refuse a person a glass of water. This doesn't seem silly to me. Having driven through the desert, the heat can be a scary thing if you aren't prepared for it. If you need a drink, ask for one.

Number 4
You may not have more than two dildos in a house.
Hmmm. Enough said.

Number 3
Donkeys cannot sleep in bathtubs. Don't put them there. Don't think about it. No sir.

Number 2
From Mohave County:
A decree declares that anyone caught stealing soap must wash himself with it until it is all used up. So if you are dirty, and if you really need to be clean, steal some soap. You will definitely get clean. Don't scrub too hard - you've got a ways to go! Soap lasts a long while.

Number 1
When being attacked by a criminal or burglar, you may only protect yourself with the same weapon that the other person possesses. So be prepared, carry everything you might need, and then ask the criminal what they are carrying. Or better yet, post a sign, "rob us only if carrying a _______ (fill in the blank) others stay away!"

Bonus laws:
From Tucson: Women may not wear pants. This one could anger a lot of women.

From Tombstone: It is illegal for men and women over the age of 18 to have less than one missing tooth visible when smiling. If you are a dentist and out of work, consider a move to Tombstone. Seems like there would be a bit of work.

Published by Janet Trieschman

Janet has had a number of articles and reviews published, as well as many exhibitions and honors to her record and has been listed in Who's Who of Emerging Leaders, Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who...  View profile

7 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Angela - Upon Request3/26/2009

    Most of these are urban legend and no longer exist in present AZ lawbooks.

  • jcorn8/19/2008

    I just love this series on stupid law. Gotta agree with #4 being laughable.

  • Restaurant Chef8/15/2008

    Excellent work. Great job~!

  • Nancy Tracy8/15/2008

    These laws were too funny. I will advise all my dentist friends to move to Tombstone : )

  • Audrey Star Josefek8/13/2008

    oops! Sorry! It didn't show up the first time...gaah!

  • Audrey Star Josefek8/13/2008

    Hmm. .I think I just posted a comment about #4 here, on another state...grr. stupid computers! I was asking if they actually go & check, lol?

  • Audrey Star Josefek8/13/2008

    What I wanted to know about #4 is, do they actually go around & check?! heh...

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.