As lawyers, we’re obliged to uphold the law…. but that doesn’t always mean you agree with it. Attorneys are in a unique position to know the underbelly of the system of laws that govern our society.
So, we want to know, what is *the* worst law?
Perhaps it’s the fact that qualified immunity — the doctrine that lets police get away with pretty much everything — was a goddamn scrivener’s error. And what about the immunity of the gun industry? That only makes the American gun problem worse. Maybe it’s the injustice of the felony murder rule? Speaking of injustice, maybe mandatory minimums infuriate you. Let’s not get started on the dumb immigration laws. We’ve all witnessed the wild results the electoral college yields. Or maybe you’re annoyed by the simple power grabs like towns putting an age limit on trick or treating.
This is your opportunity to sound off on the absolute dumbest laws out there. You can email us or text us (646-820-8477) your nominations for the dumbest laws. Once we have our slate of dumb law nominees, we’ll hold a poll to crown the dumbest law in all the land. Bonus: the “winner” law may be featured in Above the Law alum/justice correspondent for The Nation magazine/author of Allow Me To Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution (affiliate link) Elie Mystal’s new book, “Bad Laws.”
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.