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Connecticut has some weird laws, including one about bouncing pickles. Some of these laws are odd because they are outdated, while others are just plain silly. Many of them are still in the books. While these laws may not impact your life (or your personal injury case), they are an interesting part of the state’s legal history.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we know the law can sometimes seem strange and confusing, especially when dealing with the legal system for the first time. While “weird” laws might make you laugh, coping with severe injuries is a serious, life-altering experience. We are here to provide trusted legal representation when it matters most.
It Is Illegal to Call a Pickle a Pickle Unless it Bounces
This law gets a lot of attention in Connecticut. While it may not bear on modern food safety regulations, it shows how local governments once tried to keep consumers safe.
In 1948, two men received fines for selling pickles that were “unfit for human consumption.” In response, state officials developed a series of tests to determine what made a proper pickle. One test involved evaluating a gherkin’s springiness, or whether it could bounce. Under the law, if a pickle doesn’t bounce when dropped from a height of about one foot, it’s not a true pickle. (Note: If you try this at home, avoid dropping the pickle on the floor — the “five-second rule” is not real.)
Silly String Cannot Be Sold to Minors Unless They Are with a Parent or Guardian
Silly string is fun until you’re the one who has to clean it up. That’s why a local ordinance in the City of Meriden restricts the sale of silly string to minors unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. It might sound like an overreaction to a harmless party product, but the law was likely passed to prevent property damage or public disturbances, especially around Halloween.
This law underscores how local rules vary across Connecticut. What one town may embrace as a fun, permissible activity, another town may prohibit.
It Is Illegal for Two People Who Are Married to Kiss in Public on a Sunday
This law is good news for anyone who hates witnessing public displays of affection, or PDA. While the law may seem like something that came out of a Victorian-era etiquette manual, it is still in effect. The statute reflects a time when strict moral codes could influence laws concerning public behavior. Even though the norms that inspire some laws change, those laws may still be in effect. Also, Sundays have long been treated as days for rest and religious observance.
Town Records Can’t Be Stored in the Same Place Where Liquor Is Sold
You probably don’t think of City Hall as a one-stop records storage and party shop. Still, this law exists. It was perhaps written to protect sensitive government documents from fire, theft, or rowdy behavior. After all, combining vital municipal records with alcohol sales might not be the wisest pairing.
Though it may seem like a no-brainer now, this rule reflects a practical concern for preserving public records in a safe, secure environment. Today, most records are stored digitally or in dedicated town offices. This law is a relic of a time when paper was a hot commodity, and towns had limited storage options.
You’re Not Allowed to Walk Backward at Night
This law sounds more like a challenge on a game show than a legal restriction. Still, in some Connecticut communities, it is illegal to walk backward after sunset. The origin of this outdated law is unclear. However, it may have been enacted to prevent accidents or suspicious behavior. It’s a good example of how strange laws often consider safety, even though the rationale seems somewhat backward.
It Is Illegal to Intentionally Release Helium Balloons Into the Air
This law is more modern and less silly than the others. In Connecticut, it is illegal to release helium balloons outdoors intentionally. Why? Because those balloons eventually fall back to Earth. When they do, the deflated balloons can be hazardous to wildlife and a source of pollution.
Unlike some archaic laws on this list, this one has a clear environmental purpose. Many states and municipalities across the country have similar laws in place. Even seemingly small actions can have a big impact on the environment.
Get Help from an Experienced Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer
The attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, enjoy discussing Connecticut’s quirky legal history, but we will always take your case seriously. Strange laws are the last thing you should worry about when you suffer injuries in an accident. You need clear answers and a legal team you can trust.
With more than 55 years of combined experience, our attorneys provide strong legal advocacy and responsive, results-driven representation to personal injury victims and their families in Hartford and throughout Connecticut. We encourage you to review our case results and read what former clients have to say on our testimonials page.
If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll take care of the legal side while you focus on your recovery.
