Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
“I Fought The Law” Is A Collection Of Photographs Inspired By The Most Obscure Laws In America
Interview With Artist
Olivia Locher's "I Fought the Law" project is a humorous and thought-provoking series of 50 photographs, each intentionally violating an absurd U.S. state law. The project challenges viewers to consider the hundreds of decisions made by local and state lawmakers each year and to question who decides what is considered decent and how these standards are enforced. It was first introduced in Locher's New York solo exhibition at the Steven Kasher Gallery in 2017, alongside the launch of her monograph, "Olivia Locher: I Fought the Law".
Some of the laws that Locher chose to break are particularly obscure, ranging from outdated historical laws to total headscratchers. For example, in California, riding bikes in swimming pools is illegal, and in Kansas, wine cannot be served in teacups. Other laws, while weird, have historical context and are simply outdated. For instance, in Alabama, it is illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket, as this was an ingenious way for horse thieves to steal horses. If you are curious which are the other principles Olivia included in her work, follow the list of images we prepared for you.
More info: olivialocher.com | Instagram | twitter.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
In California, Nobody Is Allowed To Ride A Bicycle In A Swimming Pool
SkyBlueandBlack 2 years ago
Yep. But that's exactly what prompted the law!
Load More Replies...
David 2 years ago
Yet another one that is not so "crazy" when given proper context. --=- "alifornia’s ban on bicycles in swimming pools dates back four decades. “That law goes back to whenever BMX riding and skateboarding was really popular in California in the 70’s. Young teenagers would often break into swimming pools, make it this type of skate rink situation whenever pools had no water in them in the wintertime and fall.”"
Nezuko_Chan 2 years ago (edited)
Wait I live there and I’ve never heard this law but then again I live on an army base hundreds of miles away from another city so those rules might not apply here
Luna Crow 2 years ago
Yep. Try telling this to the Skate Park in Slab City
Load More Replies...
Ahni Alger 2 years ago
I know, right? I was thinking the same thing. I'd like to know how it was done.
Load More Replies...
Bored Panda reached out to Olivia Locher to find out more about the series “I Fought the Law”. We wanted to know about the process of researching all the obscure laws she decided to choose for her book. The artist said: “I found a good amount of the laws from old books published by Scholastic in the '70s, I found others on websites dedicated to the subject. Next, I worked with a fact checker to try to find the origins and history. A lot of these laws stay on the books simply because the process of removing them takes a lot of effort and money.”
RELATED:
#2
In Ohio It’s Illegal To Disrobe In Front Of A Man’s Portrait
UselessKnowledgeFont 2 years ago
That's why those in the know call him "Gym"
Load More Replies...
Ahni Alger 2 years ago
Who says that's not just a slender, long haired man with interesting fashion sense? 🤷🏼♀️
#3
In Pennsylvania, It’s Illegal To Tie A Dollar Bill To A String And Pull It Away When Someone Tries To Pick It Up
Donut Overload 2 years ago
“Haha, got you again!” “DAMN IT, F*CK YOU GERALD! YOU KNOW, I’M GONNA MAKE A LAW ABOUT THIS!”
Zainub Hameed 2 years ago
i LIVE IN PA AND I HAVE NO IDEA WTF DIS IS imma break the law don't tell neone
We were wondering which one of the laws from the series turned out to be Olivia’s favorite in terms of creating a photograph for it. Locher told us: “The ice cream photo has become my favorite because it seems to represent the whole project very well! The photo represents how it’s illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket in Alabama.”
#4
In Alabama, It's Illegal To Have An Ice Cream Cone In Your Back Pocket
Em 2 years ago
It's illegal because back when people rode horses to and from places and a horse was outside an establishment and someone walked past a horse with sweets in their back pockets the horse would follow them or at least that's what I was told lol.
Grudge-holding Treefrog 2 years ago
As a horse owner, they will definitely follow someone for treats.
Load More Replies... 
C.M. 2 years ago
The idea was that people used to use it as a lure to steal horses.
Load More Replies...
Owl friend 350 2 years ago
This is a joke right? Who the hell takes ice cream and ruins their pants?
#5
In Wisconsin, It Is Illegal To Serve Apple Pie In Public Restaurants Without Cheese
Angi 2 years ago
I lived in Wisconsin my whole life and have never had apple pie and cheese together
Load More Replies...
Beth Bartel 2 years ago
I grew up with people doing that and grossed out every time
Load More Replies... D'oh Rae is Me 2 years ago
My parents MUST have sharp cheddar on their apple pie. I don't get it and dont find it appetizing at all. Give me some icecream on the side instead!
Alice Landers 2 years ago
M grandfather cheddar cheese! Upstate NY (I'm retired so guess how long ago)
Load More Replies...
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
I don't really have cheese with apple pie, but here in the North of the UK, or at least in Yorkshire, having cheese (a nice crumbly Wensleydale works best) with your Christmas fruit cake is a thing, and it's delicious. Kind of tempted to try apple pie with the wensleydale cheese now.
Michelle Reynolds 2 years ago
Ahhhh-sharp cheddar on an apple pie is the BOMB!!!! Swiss? Not so much.
Asked about what this series says about American culture and society, particularly in relation to laws and social conventions, Olivia said: “All these little laws sometimes can add up to big expenses in the wrong place and time. Absurd laws can become a very effective tool of political agendas. The ones I explored might be more comical, but they allude to the slipperiness of the legal system, which sometimes does warrant fighting.”
#6
In Kentucky, It’s Illegal To Lick A Toad
Literal Pigeon 2 years ago
It's cause some toads can get you high. National Parks Association even had to issue a statement about it, bc people were liking them for the psychoactive secretion.
smugdruggler 2 years ago
The Sonoran Desert toad. It secretes a venom that contains DMT.
Load More Replies...
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
The two in the picture both seem really in to it.
Load More Replies...
Zane Lumagrowl 2 years ago
Good thing I'm not in Kentucky... my dog would be a little criminal!
Rats Inc 2 years ago (edited)
what are they gonna do? patrol every area where a frog might show up?
Shyla Bouche 2 years ago
I get why people lick the toads. They want the high. What I don't understand is how it was discovered that the secretion causes a high. Did some drunk kids just not have anything to do one night? Was there some sort of scientific examination? Did someone mistake a toad for a glass of water?
#7
In Michigan, It's Illegal To Paint Sparrows To Sell Them As Parakeets
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
ok wtf, if this is a law then its a law for a reason and im deeply disturbed that someone must have therefore done this :(
We were curious what was the public response to this series. Also, we asked if the photographer received any feedback from lawmakers or legal authorities. Olivia told us: “I am always so touched anytime someone lets me know they enjoyed the project. It’s always such an honor when people send me a photo of the book in a store they love or in their homes. I hope people will continue to have their own adventures with the work. I always enjoy it when lawyers reach out to let me know the book lives on their coffee table. A few law firms have even bought prints of the work, so I’m happy it has touched people who deal with this subject matter day after day.”
#8
In Delaware, It's Illegal To Consume Perfume
David 2 years ago
Another one out of context. It appears to be related to folks trying to disguise 'booze' as other things. Like maybe back from prohibition days. -- "(6) Sells, offers for sale, or keeps with the intent to sell for beverage purposes, denatured alcohol, perfume, lotion, tincture, fluid extract or essence, or other liquid or solid not originally manufactured or intended for use as a beverage, containing more than one half of 1 percent of ethyl alcohol by volume," --- https://delcode.delaware.gov/title4/c009/index.html
Powerful Katrinka 2 years ago
Probably prohibition and alcohol content of perfume.
Load More Replies...
Tuesday's child 2 years ago
As someone who has gotten chanel perfume in her mouth, do not try, it is disgusting
#9
In Connecticut Pickles Must Bounce To Pass Inspection
TurquoiseTzarina 2 years ago
How about "I'm a professional pickle pouncer"....."I pounce pickles professionally".... Hahahahaha!
The series "I Fought The Law" was formally released in 2017, and as a considerable amount of time has elapsed, we were curious if the author is aware of any modifications to the laws featured in it since then. Olivia said: “In NYC there was a law that banned dancing link, it was repealed in 2017. My friend, the former councilmember Rafael Espinal, introduced the bill to repeal it. It's not unlike New Hampshire’s photograph in my book: 'In New Hampshire, you can't tap your foot to keep time to music' — they were both created for the same reasons; it’s a cabaret law. These laws require nightclubs and bars to have a specific license if they intend to host three or more people dancing at the same time. In NYC this law has been in effect since 1926. Law enforcement often utilized this law if they wanted to shut a place down. It was a big win for NYC when that law was revoked.”
#10
In Missouri, It’s Illegal To Deface A Milk Carton
Bryn 2 years ago
Because 99% of these laws are on the books but aren't enforced. So unless you read the laws every year, you'd never know
Load More Replies...
Cosmologist wannabe 2 years ago
so all missouri elementary and middle schoolers have commited a crime then
David 2 years ago
Prove it. I call BS. What I found is that if an inspector marks milk as condemned, it is illegal to remove / deface that marking. (presumably so shady person can sell bad milk). === "The state milk board* or its agent is authorized to condemn any illegal manufactured dairy product as defined in section 196.545, which is offered, exposed for sale, or sold for human food purposes, and shall identify same as an unlawful product. It shall be unlawful to remove or deface any identification placed upon the container of a condemned milk supply or upon a condemned product. A harmless food coloring may be used to identify a supply of illegal milk."
Jill Hojnacki 2 years ago
Betting that law dates to the time they were putting pictures of missing kids on milk cartons.
the_boredest_of_pandas 2 years ago
at lunch i stick my straw from a juice into the bottom of it (school lunch tray holds it)
#11
In Arkansas, It’s Illegal To Kill Or Preserve Any Living Creature Without A License
Elwood Schwartz (it/that) 2 years ago
You think it's okay to mercilessly kill bugs for projects?
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
These laws are being overstated to make them seem more ridiculous. See the link below but basically 1. Just some cities like Fayetteville, 2. Warm blooded mammals so those butterflies in the photo are fine. 3. There must be further exceptions because I can find lots of ads for exterminators in Fayetteville for stuff like rats, mice, squirrels. https://onlyinark.com/culture/top-11-absurd-arkansas-laws/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20warm%2Dblooded%20animals,County%20Courthouse%20by%20C.M%20Highsmith. BONUS - I'm not too sure about you Arkansas people. I tried to google "arkansas illegal to kill living..." and google helpfully suggested "relatives". LOL
GoldfishCrackers 2 years ago
Yet the exterminators probably all have licenses.
Load More Replies...
Heath Amaral 2 years ago
So, I can't use a mouse trap if necessary? Or get rid of any infestation if necessary?? This is ridiculous and too broad. I'm thinking there is more to this law than what is posted.
a really far away planet 2 years ago (edited)
the human immune system would like to have a word with that law...
Zedrapazia 2 years ago
I don't kill any bugs myself, but i love preserving dead bugs i find in beetle boxes. I wouldn't like this one, at least the second half not
We asked Olivia about some future plans and projects she is going to work on. We also wanted to find out if she is going to continue exploring themes related to politics and social commentary in her work. Locher told us: “I have been working on a long-term project since 2012 called How To. It is a collection of over 150 photographs that chronicles misguided attempts at human achievement, inspired by how instructions could be easily lost in translation, resulting in a new form of success or failure for the model. I began staging these photographs in my studio during my senior year at SVA. This project has and continues to serve as my creative diary for the past decade. I am hoping to eventually compile this work into a second book, the work largely comments on politics and social commentary. I also am about to start a new portraiture project using kids as models.”
#12
In Rhode Island, It Is Illegal To Wear Transparent Clothing
Astrius 2 years ago
Not only was it not censored, someone chose this picture.
Load More Replies... Deborah B 2 years ago
Is that just "No exposing yourself in transparent clothing" or an actual "no transparent items, even with something underneath."
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
You'd assume the former, since it's fine wearing something like a transparent raincoat over regular clothes.
Load More Replies... 
Louise Clarke 2 years ago
Does that mean that one can't wear a transparent coat over normal clothes
#13
In Nebraska, It’s Illegal For A Parent To Perm Their Child’s Hair Without A State License
Trophy Husband 2 years ago
As a guy, I don't know what a perm is. But Clueless taught me that they can't get wet for 48 hours!
GoldfishCrackers 2 years ago
As someone who had a home perm from my mom go awry once, this probably isn’t a bad idea. 🤣 (Love you mom, you know it’s true)
#14
In Nevada, It's Illegal To Put An American Flag On A Bar Of Soap
Brian Leahy 2 years ago
I'm guessing the law actually refers to "printing" or otherwise attaching a flag directly to the soap, rather than using a little "flagpole" like this. Why? Maybe because using the soap... defaces/disrespects the flag?
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
I thought for the most part it's illegal (or at least frowned upon) to print the flag on anything that's not actually a flag. So flag shirts and bikinis are problematic.
Load More Replies... 
Beck 2 years ago
Pppppp...pope on a rope???🤨 did you mean soap?? Or didbyou telly mean pope?
Load More Replies... #15
In Kansas, It’s Illegal To Serve Wine In Teacups
the_boredest_of_pandas 2 years ago
hmmm.... i should know this one living here
Load More Replies...
#16
In Maine, It’s Unlawful To Tickle Women Under The Chin With A Feather Duster
sofacushionfort 2 years ago
Kinky vs perverted: kinky is when you use a feather: perverted is when you use the whole chicken
David 2 years ago
The floor debate must have been fun. Well okay but what about her a..s? What about her pointies? Some of my constituents are into feet. Are feet still okay? /S For realz though - if you have ever had anyone stick a used duster in your face it is kind of nasty - cuz dust. (I'm looking at you - grandkids)
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
I wondered if the law is just "can't tickle with a feather duster" and the article added "under the chin" for effect. Might sound silly but I'd assume it's stemmed from assault/harassment. "But I wasn't assaulting her officer, I just tickled her with a feather duster."
Load More Replies...
BlueEyesWhiteDragon 2 years ago
I'm sure this is somehow at the root of all of Stephen King's issues with Maine.
#17
In Louisiana, It’s Illegal To Gargle In Public
David 2 years ago
because without the water he's just the "about to sneeze guy"
Load More Replies...
Josh 2 years ago
I love that the photographer decided he should look naked for this. And by love, I mean 'question.'
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
*Shrugs* lots of people gargle when brushing teeth, often straight after having a shower. I tend to brush teeth shirtless because I'm clumsy and don't want to get toothpaste on my shirt.
Load More Replies...
Casey Payne 2 years ago
Everybody seems to be upset by this picture. A shirtless redhead spitting water on himself? Unless I missed an earlier picture where he was naked with burning sparklers in peacock tail feather formation spread eagle on a tight rope made out of dental floss; I think y'all may be overreacting.
Seven Soda 2 years ago
People are really overreacting in this comment section.
Load More Replies... 
#18
In Oregon, One May Not Test Their Physical Endurance While Driving A Car On The Highway
Brian Leahy 2 years ago
What if you're testing your endurance BY driving - like, for a really long time?
Luna Crow 2 years ago
I have a feeling that's exactly what this law refers to
Load More Replies... 
#19
In Texas, It Is Illegal For Children To Have Unusual Haircuts
Rocco MZ 2 years ago
Just give it time. They're trying to criminalize just about everything that has to do with the LGBTQIA community. If they think a boy has a girl's haircut, they'll enforce this law soon enough.
Load More Replies...
Vix Spiderthrust 2 years ago
Yeah, if that's the exact wording then it's a terrible piece of legislation.
Load More Replies...
Aria the Dog Lover 2 years ago
As a Texan. Unusual haircuts are most definitely targeted toward black people.
Grudge-holding Treefrog 2 years ago
Unfortunately, because it is Texas, the mullet doesn’t count as unusual
freakingbee (they/them) 2 years ago
who's enforcing this exactly lol because people have some veeeery strange haircuts here
Froggi Juice 2 years ago
Can 100% confirm. Some days I look at kids haircuts at school and ask myself "what were they thinking"
Load More Replies...
Diemond Star 2 years ago
Oh no that means a few of my in-laws have to part ways with the mullet, they are not going to be very happy!!!
#20
In Utah, No One May Walk Down The Street Carrying A Paper Bag Containing A Violin
athornedrose 2 years ago
that is unacceptably specific. was the devil smuggling them in from georgia?
#21
In Tennessee, Hollow Logs May Not Be Sold
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
Should be illegal to watch anything on a screen while driving.
Load More Replies...
Josh 2 years ago
Makes me wonder if hollow logs were used for some sort of unsavory activity, so they banned the logs to reduce the activity? (Think like McD's coke spoons.)
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
More likely people scamming on firewood. You're expecting solid logs, but get hollow ones.
Load More Replies...
#22
In Hawaii, Coins Are Not Allowed To Be Placed In Ones Ears
MC C 2 years ago
or you could perform it on someone you want to get arrested
Load More Replies...
OmBoyGanesh 2 years ago (edited)
Hawaii here. In 1900, when the US performed a coup and overtook the Hawaiian sovereign monarchy declaring the islands a US territory, there was an order to destroy all Hawaiian currency. Hawaiians were obviously still using their money for commerce and didn’t have favorable options to trade it for US currency. They were also stopped & searched for any Hawaiian currency. So, they’d hide coins in their ears when they needed to spend money. Eventually they were able to cash out their currency for US dollar at a fraction of the true exchange. From then on remaining Hawaiian coins became keepsakes and novelties. Eventually they were used by drug (cannabis almost exclusively) dealers selling to American military and they signaled by once again placing coins in ears. The latter practice was primarily done on Oahu, but there are references to it on neighbor islands as tourism spread all the way into the 1980s. This is what I was taught growing up here.
Jay Son 2 years ago
I live in Hawaii for about 15 years now. I knew about this law, but never heard of the reason until now. Mahalo! :D
Load More Replies... 
Bored Trash Panda 2 years ago
It's also illegal within Honolulu city limits to pester birds in a park.
Kristina Hall 2 years ago
in 1900 when Hawaii became apart of the United States, there was an order to destroy all Hawaiian coins, and people would hide them in their ears. Hawaiian here now some do to represent as a drug dealer
#23
In Delaware, It’s Illegal To Wear Pants That Are “Form-Fitting”around The Waist
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Tracy Sellars 2 years ago
The biggest ones are the ones being done now, controlling women's bodies and outlawing transgender. Oh and let's not forget the whitewashing of history.
Gabby M 2 years ago
Yes but that's why we need articles like these, to escape the reality we are in
Load More Replies...
Derpcat 2 years ago
I want to go to each of these states and break these laws, just to see if anything will happen
Fly_Agaric_Frog 🇺🇦 2 years ago
In SC it is illegal to play pinball under 18 and It is perfectly legal to beat your wife on the court house steps on Sundays. I have never seen the latter, luckily.
Martin Kaine 2 years ago
Most of the ridiculous laws are either Blue Laws, restricting certain actions for religious reasons (like it being illegal to fly private planes over a town between 10 am and 1 pm on a Sunday), or to prevent nuisances or "stunts" (bringing a lion to the movie theater in Georgia or to go to elementary school in West Virginia smelling of wild onions), or in some cases, to enforce racism (preventing people from becoming entrepreneurs).
Easily Excitable Panda 2 years ago
I'm impressed, and a little terrified, by all the very specific stock photos in this article. Whoever found them all deserves one hell of a high-five.
Kimberly Buchanan Fisanick 2 years ago
I would like to know why, these are laws and who caused them to be laws
Gøøse 2 years ago
Damn it, I've been wanting to do this idea for a few years (but with Canadian laws).
Tracy Sellars 2 years ago
The biggest ones are the ones being done now, controlling women's bodies and outlawing transgender. Oh and let's not forget the whitewashing of history.
Gabby M 2 years ago
Yes but that's why we need articles like these, to escape the reality we are in
Load More Replies... Derpcat 2 years ago
I want to go to each of these states and break these laws, just to see if anything will happen
Fly_Agaric_Frog 🇺🇦 2 years ago
In SC it is illegal to play pinball under 18 and It is perfectly legal to beat your wife on the court house steps on Sundays. I have never seen the latter, luckily.
Martin Kaine 2 years ago
Most of the ridiculous laws are either Blue Laws, restricting certain actions for religious reasons (like it being illegal to fly private planes over a town between 10 am and 1 pm on a Sunday), or to prevent nuisances or "stunts" (bringing a lion to the movie theater in Georgia or to go to elementary school in West Virginia smelling of wild onions), or in some cases, to enforce racism (preventing people from becoming entrepreneurs).
Easily Excitable Panda 2 years ago
I'm impressed, and a little terrified, by all the very specific stock photos in this article. Whoever found them all deserves one hell of a high-five.
Kimberly Buchanan Fisanick 2 years ago
I would like to know why, these are laws and who caused them to be laws
Gøøse 2 years ago
Damn it, I've been wanting to do this idea for a few years (but with Canadian laws).
You May Like Most Famous Female Photographers Of The World 64 Of The Most Famous Photographers In History 30 Animal Panorama Fails That Are So Bad They're Good
Justina Čiapaitė
Viltė Domkutė
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Related on Bored Panda
