The 5 Weirdest Laws in South Carolina
Each state has weird laws that are still in force, even though the laws may not be enforced. South Carolina is no exception.
Our state is known for its incredible food, beautiful beaches, and stunning mountains. It is also known for several strange laws that leave people scratching their heads.
Five of the weirdest laws in South Carolina include:
1. Selling Housewares and Other Items Is Prohibited on Sundays
South Carolina has several laws that prohibit various activities on Sundays. These laws—often called “blue laws”—encourage people to use Sunday as a day of worship.
According to Section 53-1-60, the sale of certain items, including housewares, clothing, office furnishings, television sets, and many others, is prohibited on Sundays. However, stores in South Carolina routinely sell these items on Sundays.
2. Using Explosives to Fish Is Illegal
It is difficult to believe anyone would use explosives to fish. It sounds like something out of a cartoon—a character throws dynamite into the water, it explodes, and the fish rise to the surface to be scooped up in a net.
However, legislators in South Carolina felt the need to ensure no one would use explosives to “take or secure fish” in the waters or streams throughout the state.
According to Section 50-13-1440, it is unlawful to use gunpowder, dynamite, lime, or other explosives to fish. It is also illegal to have explosives on a sailboat, paddling boat, barge, motorboat, or raft that is usually used for freshwater fishing.
3. Do Not Let Your Child Play Pinball
Arcades are popular throughout South Carolina, especially in popular tourist destinations. While smartphones and other devices give teens and children convenient access to online gaming, arcades are still fun. However, you might want to be cautious about the games you allow your kids to play.
Section 63-19-2430 makes it illegal for anyone under 18 years old to play pinball. Yes, pinball! Pinball was once considered a form of gambling, so lawmakers enacted the law to prevent minors from playing it. Today, it is doubtful that a court would enforce this outdated law.
4. No Dancing on Sundays
Chapter 13 of Title 52 of South Carolina’s Code prohibits dance halls from operating after midnight on Saturday through Sunday at midnight. The law also prohibits a dancehall from being located within a quarter of a mile of a rural church in some counties.
The law likely dates back to a time when people were expected to attend church each Sunday. Religious beliefs about dancing vary greatly. Some denominations once banned dancing, which could also explain the laws.
5. Using Marriage to Seduce a Woman Is Illegal
South Carolina has many laws on the books that represent an intersection of the state’s rich traditions and morals with the law. Section 16-15-50 prohibits a male over the age of 16 years from using the promise of marriage to seduce an unmarried woman.
According to the law, insincere marriage proposals to deceive and seduce women can result in a misdemeanor charge. A conviction could result in a significant fine and up to one year in county jail.
What Should I Do if I’m Charged with an Outdated Law in South Carolina?
Although many outdated laws in South Carolina are no longer enforced, they remain on the books. Therefore, a law enforcement officer could choose to enforce the law and charge someone with a criminal offense.
Regardless of whether you believe a specific law is outdated, committing a criminal offense can be serious. Contacting a Lake Wylie lawyer is the best way to handle the matter. A criminal law attorney can help you fight to protect your rights, including arguing that enforcing an outdated law does not serve justice.
Contact The Lake Wylie Personal Injury Lawyers At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys For Help Today
For more information, please contact our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina and North Carolina at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve York County, Lancaster County, and its surrounding areas in South Carolina:
Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Rock Hill
212 E Black St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lancaster
204 A S Main St, Lancaster, SC 29720
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Fort Mill
1201 Carolina Pl Suite 102D, Fort Mill, SC 29708
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Lake Wylie
264 Latitude Ln #102A, Lake Wylie, SC 29710
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Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys York
6 N Congress St, York, SC 29745
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We also proudly serve Mecklenburg County and its surrounding areas in North Carolina:
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1100 S Mint St #109, Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 340-8620
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