Fun With The Law: "Legalizing" Trick-Or-Treat

Would you believe that in several Virginia towns and cities "trick-or-treat" is regulated by law and that the city of Norfolk even outlaws the activity for anyone over the age of 12?

Sec. 29-4. Prohibited "trick or treat" activities.

(a) If any person over the age of twelve shall engage in the activity commonly known as "trick or treat" or any other activity of similar character or nature under any name whatsoever, he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any parent, guardian or other responsible person, having lawfully in his custody a child twelve (12) years old or younger, from accompanying such child who is playing "trick or treat" for the purpose of caring for, looking after or protecting such child.

(b) If any person shall engage in the activity commonly known as "trick or treat" or any other activity of similar character or nature under any name whatsoever after 8:00 p.m., he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor

Other cities in the area prescribe permitted hours and who and what age groups are permitted to go about seeking treats. Some even indicate who may wear masks.

Perhaps if a 13-year-old is caught breaking the law by being too old, then he or she could pay all or part of the fine with those funny-looking little packages of candy-corn that one only sees during Halloween.

No mention is made by the article of adults who masquerade as politicians but behave like children.----------------------------See the latest edition of The Carnival Of Education (with entry guidelines) here, and our latest posts over there.