Some laws remain on the books long after they become irrelevant, while others are so zany that you wonder how they passed in the first place – and why they were needed. There are some pretty crazy Massachusetts laws, and Boston is not exempt from weird legislation. According to dumblaws.com, these seemingly random 7 laws are still in effect:

1. Anyone crossing Boston Common needs to carry a shotgun due to the threat of bears.
Flickr/SteFou!
Many of Boston's laws relate to the Common, presumably because it has long been a community gathering place. But bears? It makes the Common sound like a wildlife gauntlet rather than a pleasant spot for a stroll. Can you imagine if this was the Frog Pond?
2. Women need to keep heels below three inches in height when on the Common.
Flickr/Jake Guild
Total stiletto embargo. If the cobblestones don't get you, apparently the police can.
3. It's totally fine to have a duel to the death on the Common.
Flickr/John McCloy
So long as you're hanging with the governor when it happens! Can you imagine sending Charlie Baker an invite that starts: "You are cordially invited (actually required) to attend a pistols-at-dawn event this Sunday on the Common…"

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4. It is against the law to kiss in front of a church.
Flickr/Stephen Burns
So that iconic wedding shot is out?
5. Bostonians cannot consume peanuts in church.
Flickr/MilnerMac
The fact that this law was necessary makes you think that people once confused church with a ball game.
6. It is against the law to play the fiddle.
Facebook/Boston Symphony Orchestra
Has anyone told the Boston Symphony Orchestra?
7. There are several laws relating to bathing in Boston. You can't take more than two baths within city limits and you need a prescription to have a bath.
Jennifer C./Flickr
Showers are ok, right? Because if all bathing is outlawed, then the T is going to be super stinky in summer...

Which of these quirky laws most surprised you? Aside from the archaic bathing rules, the law against playing the violin seems the strangest to me. Do you know of any other head-scratchers that are still technically laws, even if they aren’t enforced? Share your tidbits of trivia in the comments!

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