Across the United States, peculiar laws exist, often leaving people curious about their origins and continued presence. While some of these statutes have been repealed or were never actual laws but persistent rumors, many strange regulations remain in effect.
In New Mexico, these unusual laws cover topics ranging from dueling to the proper use of anthems, and even tripping horses. Let's explore some of the more noteworthy examples.
Dueling Prohibition
New Mexico law explicitly forbids dueling, defined as challenging someone to a fight with deadly weapons, accepting such a challenge, participating in a duel, or assisting either party in a duel where deadly weapons are used. Violation of this law is considered a fourth-degree felony.
Tripping Horses: A Serious Offense
Intentionally causing a horse, donkey, pony, mule, or hinny to fall using any object for sport or entertainment is illegal in New Mexico. While the act itself is a misdemeanor, causing injury or death to the animal elevates the offense to a fourth-degree felony. This law does not apply to necessary actions for medical or identification purposes.
Respect for Anthems
New Mexico has a law regarding the proper use of both the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and the state anthem, "Oh Fair New Mexico." It's considered a petty misdemeanor to sing, play, or render either anthem in a public setting unless it is presented as a complete and separate piece.
