LAW

'Scared Straight' tried teaching kids some tough lessons.

When ‘Scared Straight’ Shocked 1970s Television Viewers

The profanity-laden documentary managed to win both Emmys and an Oscar. But it didn't reduce juvenile delinquency.

Peer Pressure: 10 Facts About Jury Duty

Failing to appear can mean a fine, jail time, or being forced to write an essay about the importance of serving.

When Crispin Glover Was Replaced by a Lookalike in ‘Back to the Future II’

Audiences thought the actor reprised his role as George McFly in the ‘Back to the Future’ sequels. But Glover had never stepped foot on set.

Right on red might not be around much longer.

More Cities Are Banning Right-on-Red Turns—Here's Why

The standard traffic practice is under increased scrutiny.

Why Are Elections Held on Tuesdays?

There are a few reasons—including a little something to do with the horse and buggy. Find out more about the history of Election Day.

Curtis Chillingworth, the Florida Judge Who Vanished From the Bench

Curtis Chillingworth was the most esteemed judge in Palm Beach County. But someone wanted him dead.

Why Are Unidentified People Called John or Jane Doe?

From the courts to the morgue, if the government doesn't know someone's name or wants to withhold it, they give them one of these as a placeholder. Why?

Is Halloween strictly for kids, or is an age cap warranted?

How Old Is Too Old for Trick or Treating?

Some communities have ordinances banning teens from knocking on doors. But are they justified?

10 Misconceptions About Serial Killers

How smart do you really need to be to get away with murder?

The Salem witch trials were a troubling time in colonial America.

11 Facts About the Salem Witch Trials

The 1692 Salem witch trials caused so much turmoil that the Massachusetts town is still synonymous with them.

Facebook is on the hook for a big settlement.

Thanks to a Privacy Breach, Facebook May Owe You Some Money—But You Have Just a Week Left to Collect

There's a week left to file a claim for your (small) share of a $725 million settlement.

Bar Fight: When ‘Cheers’ Robots Took Over for the Actors

Animatronic versions of bar patrons Norm and Cliff made two actors named George and John very unhappy.

There better not be a dog or cat in that raft.

10 Strange and Surprisingly Specific National Park Rules

National Park rules go beyond the general Leave No Trace guidelines. These surprising cover everything from wildlife to waste.

If You Bought A&W Root Beer in the Past 7 Years, the Company Might Owe You Money

Do you feel wronged by A&W? You might be entitled to compensation.

You probably shouldn’t do it—unless there really is a fire.

Is It Illegal to Falsely Shout 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater?

Back in 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. sort of made it seem like it was against the law to yell “fire“ while in a crowded theater, so we understand if you’re confused.

The USDA would define this ham-and-cheese on bread as a sandwich.

5 Ways to Define a Sandwich, According to the Law

Is a hot dog a sandwich? What about a burrito? It depends on whom you ask—and what state you live in.

It’s rare for a baby to be born on a plane.

What Is the Citizenship of a Baby Born on an International Flight?

When a baby is born on an international flight, where the plane is registered and the airspace it’s in can determine the child’s citizenship.

How Are Speed Limits Enforced by Aircraft?

Speeders on targeted stretches of road are monitored from the ground and from the sky.

Don’t forget to empty your water bottle before you get to the airport security line.

The Real Reason You Can’t Bring Water Bottles Through Airport Security

A CIA official explains the 3-1-1 rule and the lasting influence of Operation Overt.

This person is definitely not in New Jersey.

Why Can’t You Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey?

It’s for your own good—or at least that’s the theory.

Judge Judy really was a judge for family court.

What Legal Authority Does Judge Judy Have?

While Judith Sheindlin was once a real, live judge, she’s not acting as one on her show.

California might prompt sweeping changes in how candy is manufactured.

A New California Bill Could See Skittles and Other Candies Pulled From Shelves

Controversy over red dye no. 3 could soon spill over into the candy aisle.

Toblerone Must Remove the Matterhorn From Its Logo Due to 'Swissness' Law

Toblerone is no longer Swiss enough for the Swiss mountain peak in its logo.

One more spin could land you in the slammer.

45 Weird Laws Still on the Books

You go about your day trying to be a good citizen. Little did you know that your bingo game can't last more than five hours.