Much of the law in England is old and complicated – partly because there are so many sources of it – among them are statute, common law, case law and even European conventions and other international laws to which the UK subscribes.
With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising to know that the English judicial system has a large number of weird old laws, some of which you may have already broken by accident.
Here’s our list of eight weird laws you have probably broken without realising…
1. Being drunk in the pub
JD Wetherspoon has revealed its sales rose in recent months (Victoria Jones/PA)
PA Wire
According to the Licensing Act 1872, which is still valid, you can be convicted for being found drunk in a “licensed premises”, also known as the pub.
People fly their kites on Hampstead Heath (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
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It’s an offence to fly a kite or play a game which disturbs others, according to section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.
3. Singing profane songs in public
Revelers enjoying a night out
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Singing any “profane, indecent or obscene song” in public is an offence under section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.
4. Feeding an animal in public
The farm stopped all public feeding sessions involving animals, including calves and lambs (Alamy/PA)
According to section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, it is an offence to feed an animal in public if it causes “the annoyance” of residents or passersby.
5. Sliding on ice in the street
People at Glenshee Ski Centre (Andrew Milligan/PA)
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This one falls under section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839, along with kite flying. It’s an offence to cause a nuisance by sliding on ice or snow in the streets if it put others in danger.
6. Knocking on someone’s door for no reason
You can’t knock on someone’s door for no reason
Gipsy Hill
You also shouldn’t knock on someone’s door for no reason – it’s an offence under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. Turns out ding-dong-ditching is against the law!
7. Carrying a plank of wood through the street
It is an offence to carry a plank of wood through the street for no reason
Rehan Jamil
It is an offence to carry a plank of wood through the street if you’re not loading or unloading it, according to the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.
8. Taking a pet in the car without restraining them
Taking a dog or other pet in the car breaches the rules of the Highway Code
AP
Dogs and other animals must be “suitably restrained” when taken in a vehicle to prevent them from injuring you or themselves, under the Highway Code, rule 57 about animals.
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