UK Facts: Law
19 Apr
Law
The British legal system is probably commonly associated with barristers wearing long black robes and grey curly wigs. Over recent years, it is becoming less popular to wear this traditional garb, which some people argue is archaic. Before the legal sector updates their apparel though perhaps they should repeal some of their laws first:
- All English males over 14 must carry out 2 or so hours of longbow practice per day. This makes sense as boys would have had to learn such skills from an early age when physical combat was more frequent. Why it has not been repealed remains a mystery, as it’s doubtful many boys obey this law. Unless 2 +hours shooting on a games console counts, in which case, most boys probably exceed the recommended daily practice.
- It is perfectly legal to kill a Welshman by decapitation. Yes, you heard me. This is a bye-law introduced in 1403 by Prince Henry during the Welsh revolt, before he became King Henry V. which stated it was perfectly legal to kill a Welshman by decapitation if he was loitering inside Chester city walls after sunset. There is no record of this law being repealed. This law no longer allows legal protection against murder though.
- It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.
- It is illegal to eat mince pies on Christmas day. This strange law was introduced in 1657 during Oliver Cromwell’s reign as Lord Protector. Cromwell abolished the celebration of Christmas including mince pies. This has never been revoked and millions break the law by eating these sweet snacks every Christmas day in the UK.
- It is an act of treason to place a postage stamp bearing the British monarch upside down. Perhaps more annoyingly than committing treason, your post probably won’t be sent off.
- A pregnant woman can legally urinate anywhere she likes in the UK, including a police officer’s hat! Apparently pregnant women can choose to do this. A police officer’s hat is an interesting choice though.
Katie Jamieson
