Laws are put in place to protect us, but over time some laws become a bit outdated, even silly. And if you can’t find humor in the little things, life can get boring. So if you’re ready for a good laugh, look over the list below and check out some of the weird laws in Mississippi.
- Of course murder is illegal; however, it is not illegal to kill one’s “servant”.
Norm Lanier/Flickr
- When deciding where to keep your horses, remember that it is illegal to house them within 50 feet of any road.
Dan Dzurisin/Flicker
- Claiming that you’ll marry a woman just to seduce her is a crime, so don’t utter those four words for the sake of a night of fun.
Deviant Art
- Church is important in Mississippi, and if you interrupt a service you can be arrested by any private citizen.
kristine/Flickr
- According to one town’s laws, any groom-to-be must “prove himself manly” before marriage by hunting and killing either six blackbirds or three cows.
Neil Moralee/Flickr
- If you’re a parent to one illegitimate child, that’s no problem, but if you have two illegitimate children, you could face up to one month in jail.
4closure Fraud
- It’s already known that polygamy itself is illegal, but in Mississippi, it is illegal to explain it to someone.
Josito Montez
- Better watch your mouth while in public because using profane language carries a fine of up to $100.
Chris James/Flickr
- Need a shave? Well, don’t do it in the center of Main Street because Tylertown law prohibits this act.
State Library Victoria Collections/Flickr
- Ever heard the term living in sin? Well, in Mississippi, this term should be living in violation of the law since it is illegal to live with your significant other if you’re not married.
ashley.adcox/Flickr
- Additionally, sleeping with someone who isn’t your spouse is also illegal and carries a fine of $500 and/or six months in prison.
Tamara Álvarez/Flickr
- In Columbus, the fine for shooting a gun in public is actually less than the fine for waving a gun in public.
Alex Abian/Flickr
- Live in Temperance and thinking of taking your dog for a walk? Don’t forget your four-legged friend’s diaper. That’s right, walking a dog without dressing it in diapers is illegal in Temperance.
Arnel Pantoja/Flickr
So, did you know about these strange illegal things in Mississippi? Know of any other weird laws in Mississippi? Tell us!
Norm Lanier/Flickr
Dan Dzurisin/Flicker
Deviant Art
kristine/Flickr
Neil Moralee/Flickr
4closure Fraud
Josito Montez
Chris James/Flickr
State Library Victoria Collections/Flickr
ashley.adcox/Flickr
Tamara Álvarez/Flickr
Alex Abian/Flickr
Arnel Pantoja/Flickr
The state’s quirks aren’t limited to weird laws. Click here to read about the weirdest places in Mississippi.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Weird Laws In Mississippi August 20, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What are some other illegal things in Mississippi? The laws mentioned above aren’t the only weird laws in Mississippi. There are several other illegal things in Mississippi that’ll baffle you. For instance, vagrancy is illegal and punishable by either 30 days in jail or a $250 fine. Several cities around the state have their own fair share of weird laws, including Oxford, where it’s against the law to cheer, unless, of course, there’s a reason to. In Oxford, it’s also illegal to drive around the town square more than 100 times in a single session. Another town with an unusual law on the books is Hazelhurst. According to the town’s statutes, you can’t fish with an Uzi. Lastly, there’s Ridgeland, where it’s illegal to have exterior burglar bars that are visible from the street. Are there any other fun facts about Mississippi? There are lots of fun facts about Mississippi, including the fact that Memorial Day may have originated in Columbus, Mississippi. The holiday is alleged to have originated in a handful of states and Mississippi is one of them. According to records, on April 25, 1866, several women decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers in Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery. This act marked the beginning of celebrating and honoring those who lost their lives while serving the country. What are some strange things about Mississippi? Strange things about Mississippi aren’t limited to weird laws. There are lots of strange and unusual places in Mississippi, including Witch Dance. Located at milepost 233.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Witch Dance was first inhabited by Native Americans; however, according to local lore, it eventually became a meeting place for area witches. Legend says the witches performed dancing rituals and that, wherever their feet touched the ground, the grass would die and never grow again. Believed to be bad luck, the barren spots were avoided by locals at all costs. Today, Witch Dance serves as a campground.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Weird Laws In Mississippi
August 20, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other illegal things in Mississippi? The laws mentioned above aren’t the only weird laws in Mississippi. There are several other illegal things in Mississippi that’ll baffle you. For instance, vagrancy is illegal and punishable by either 30 days in jail or a $250 fine. Several cities around the state have their own fair share of weird laws, including Oxford, where it’s against the law to cheer, unless, of course, there’s a reason to. In Oxford, it’s also illegal to drive around the town square more than 100 times in a single session. Another town with an unusual law on the books is Hazelhurst. According to the town’s statutes, you can’t fish with an Uzi. Lastly, there’s Ridgeland, where it’s illegal to have exterior burglar bars that are visible from the street. Are there any other fun facts about Mississippi? There are lots of fun facts about Mississippi, including the fact that Memorial Day may have originated in Columbus, Mississippi. The holiday is alleged to have originated in a handful of states and Mississippi is one of them. According to records, on April 25, 1866, several women decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers in Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery. This act marked the beginning of celebrating and honoring those who lost their lives while serving the country. What are some strange things about Mississippi? Strange things about Mississippi aren’t limited to weird laws. There are lots of strange and unusual places in Mississippi, including Witch Dance. Located at milepost 233.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Witch Dance was first inhabited by Native Americans; however, according to local lore, it eventually became a meeting place for area witches. Legend says the witches performed dancing rituals and that, wherever their feet touched the ground, the grass would die and never grow again. Believed to be bad luck, the barren spots were avoided by locals at all costs. Today, Witch Dance serves as a campground.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The laws mentioned above aren’t the only weird laws in Mississippi. There are several other illegal things in Mississippi that’ll baffle you. For instance, vagrancy is illegal and punishable by either 30 days in jail or a $250 fine. Several cities around the state have their own fair share of weird laws, including Oxford, where it’s against the law to cheer, unless, of course, there’s a reason to. In Oxford, it’s also illegal to drive around the town square more than 100 times in a single session. Another town with an unusual law on the books is Hazelhurst. According to the town’s statutes, you can’t fish with an Uzi. Lastly, there’s Ridgeland, where it’s illegal to have exterior burglar bars that are visible from the street.
Are there any other fun facts about Mississippi?
There are lots of fun facts about Mississippi, including the fact that Memorial Day may have originated in Columbus, Mississippi. The holiday is alleged to have originated in a handful of states and Mississippi is one of them. According to records, on April 25, 1866, several women decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers in Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery. This act marked the beginning of celebrating and honoring those who lost their lives while serving the country.
What are some strange things about Mississippi?
Strange things about Mississippi aren’t limited to weird laws. There are lots of strange and unusual places in Mississippi, including Witch Dance. Located at milepost 233.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Witch Dance was first inhabited by Native Americans; however, according to local lore, it eventually became a meeting place for area witches. Legend says the witches performed dancing rituals and that, wherever their feet touched the ground, the grass would die and never grow again. Believed to be bad luck, the barren spots were avoided by locals at all costs. Today, Witch Dance serves as a campground.
