The Ten Craziest Laws in Louisiana

March 30, 2015 @ 9:26 pm

Louisiana is famous for its culture, cuisine and colorful character, but its legal code is just as fascinating. Over the years, a number of unusual Louisiana laws have made their way onto the books. From weird Louisiana laws about alligators to strange Louisiana laws still enforced in small parishes, these rules highlight the state’s unique blend of history, humor and heritage. Here are ten of the most interesting Louisiana laws that might just make you scratch your head:

Unusual and Weird Louisiana Laws

Crazy Law #1: Alligator Theft

Stealing an alligator could land you up to ten years in jail. Believe it or not, this isn’t just one of those weird Louisiana laws that people joke about. It’s very real. Alligators are protected under state and federal wildlife laws, and Louisiana takes its native reptiles seriously. The law was designed to stop poaching and protect the state’s thriving alligator population, which plays an important role in the ecosystem and economy.

Crazy Law #2: Crawfish Theft

Better keep your claws to yourself! Stealing crawfish could also land you up to ten years in jail. With how beloved crawfish boils are in Louisiana, it’s no surprise there’s a law to protect them. This law came about after repeated thefts from commercial ponds, which cost farmers thousands of dollars. The state decided to crack down hard, treating crawfish theft much like cattle rustling in the old days.

Crazy Law #3: Bloody Rituals

Louisiana does not allow the ingestion of blood or other bodily fluids to take place during any ritual. Violation could lead up to twenty-five years in jail or a fine up to twenty-five thousand dollars. 

This one ranks high among strange Louisiana laws. While it might sound extreme, the intent was to prevent harmful or unsafe ritualistic practices that could spread disease or cause injury. It also reflects Louisiana’s unique mix of cultures and belief systems,  and the government’s attempts to set clear boundaries between expression and public safety.

Crazy Law #4: Better Not Break a Promise

If an individual intentionally swears falsely under oath in either oral or written form, he or she can serve up to one year in jail and pay up to five hundred dollars. While not as outlandish as others, this rule shows that in Louisiana, your word still matters. It’s a reminder that honesty under oath is taken seriously, and that even in a state famous for its crazy laws, truthfulness remains a foundation of justice.

Crazy Law #5: Hog Heaven

In Jefferson Parish, hogs cannot be fed just any old scrap. Any food/garbage other than grains must be cooked on the premises right before being fed to hogs. This weird Louisiana law came from practical farming concerns. Feeding uncooked waste to animals was believed to spread disease. By requiring that scraps be cooked, parishes aimed to keep livestock healthy and protect the local food supply.

Crazy Law #6: Voodoo Restrictions

In New Orleans, make sure you aren’t practicing within the city limits or you will get fined. Rooted in the city’s colorful spiritual history, this strange law dates back to times when voodoo was misunderstood and feared. Today, voodoo is recognized as an important part of New Orleans’ cultural identity, though outdated laws like this still linger on the books.

Crazy Law #7: Truth or Dare — Railroad Style

It is illegal to dare someone to go onto railroad tracks owned by someone else. If convicted, this unlawful act could land you in jail with up to five hundred dollars in fines and a misdemeanor. It sounds silly, but this law was created for safety. Train accidents and trespassing incidents were once a serious problem in rural areas, so this aims to discourage dangerous pranks before they turn tragic.

Crazy Law #8: Biting with False Teeth

If someone with dentures bites another person, that bite could be classified as aggravated battery since the perpetrator used a weapon (false teeth) instead of his or her person. Only in Louisiana would dentures qualify as a weapon! This unusual Louisiana law is actually a creative interpretation of the state’s battery statute, which defines a “dangerous weapon” as anything used to inflict harm, even false teeth if they’re part of the attack.

Crazy Law #9: Telephone Obscenities

In Sulphur, it is illegal to use obscene language on the phone. This law dates back to when phone operators and shared party lines were common. It was meant to protect people (especially minors) from hearing explicit or harassing calls. While outdated, it’s technically still enforceable!

Crazy Law #10: Throw Me Something, Mister!

In New Orleans, it is illegal to throw a bottle of Coke at a parade float. This law comes straight from Mardi Gras culture and might be the most iconic representation of crazy Louisiana legislature. Parade safety is a serious matter, and even a soft drink bottle could injure someone or damage a float. So, while it might sound odd, the rule’s purpose is to keep the fun festive and safe.

Why Does Louisiana Have So Many Unusual Laws?

Many of these weird laws date back to the 1800s and early 1900s when local parishes created rules to solve very specific problems like keeping livestock safe, protecting seafood harvests or maintaining order during Mardi Gras. 

Because Louisiana’s legal system is based on the Napoleonic Code rather than English Common Law, it has produced some truly strange laws that reflect its distinct legal traditions. While some are rarely enforced today, others remain technically valid and offer a glimpse into the state’s rich and quirky past.

So when you’re “making a pass” through Louisiana, remember that some of the laws here are just as unique and crazy as the people, food and music. 

Navigate the Louisiana Legal Waters with Us

Whether you’ve encountered a strange Louisiana law firsthand or just want to better understand your rights, the attorneys at Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik can help. Our team knows the ins and outs of Louisiana law, from the serious to the downright unusual. 

Contact us today to discuss your case or learn more about how Louisiana’s one-of-a-kind legal system could impact you.