I Fought The Law: Photographs by Olivia Locher of the Strangest Laws from Each of the 50 States
From Louisiana's prohibition of public gargling to Nebraska barring parents from perming their children's hair, Olivia Locher humorously illustrates the whackiest laws in America.
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast
Did you know, pickles must bounce in order to officially be considered pickles in the state of Connecticut? Or how about that it's illegal to cross state lines with a bird on your head while in Minnesota?
In her new book, I Fought the Law, photographer Olivia Locker found some of the strangest American laws in existence—one for each state—and illustrated them with bright and often satirical compositions. Some of the laws are still technically on the books, while others have been reversed and even a few merely lifted from legend, but Locher refrains from revealing which laws fall into what category. In an era dominated by accusations of "fake news," this choice by Locher demonstrates the easily blurred line between fact and fiction.
The series takes civil disobedience to a minute level with bright colors and a clear sense of humor, while also demonstrating the sometimes perplexing reach of government.
Here, some of the best photos and weirdest laws from Olivia Locher's I Fought the Law:
"In Alabama it is illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at all times."
Olivia Locher
"In Delaware it is illegal to consume perfume."
Olivia Locher
"In Hawaii it is illegal to place a coin in your ear."
Olivia Locher
"In Iowa it is illegal to sniff glue."
Olivia Locher
"In Michigan it is illegal to paint sparrows with the intention of selling them as parakeets."
Olivia Locher
"In Nevada it is illegal to put an American flag on a bar of soap."
Olivia Locher
"In Ohio it is illegal to disrobe in front of a portrait of a man."
Olivia Locher
"In Rhode Island it is illegal to wear transparent clothing."
Olivia Locher
"In Texas it is illegal for children to have unusual haircuts."
Olivia Locher
"In Wisconsin it is illegal to serve apple pi in public restaurants without cheddar cheese."
Olivia Locher
I Fought the Law: Photographs by Olivia Locher of the Strangest Lawes from Each of the 50 States
Olivia Locher/Chronicle Books
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