In honor of Halloween, many lawyers, librarians and bloggers have been considering the legal implications of Halloween-related topics. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Devil and Homer Simpson: This post from the creators of Law and the Multiverse considers the legal implications of Homer Simpson selling his soul to the Devil after first giving it to Marge.
- Jack Skellington and False Impersonation: The Legal Geeks take a look at Nightmare Before Christmas and wonder what defense Jack Skellington could possibly assert for impersonating Santa.
- Ghostbuster & False Imprisonment: Also on The Legal Geeks, check out an analysis of whether the Ghostbusters could be charged with false imprisonment for rounding up ghosts.
For those interested in the actual laws surrounding Halloween and the Paranormal, check out these sources:
- Massachusetts Law About the Paranormal: This guide from the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries will tell you all you need to know about Massachusetts laws related to the Paranormal. Also see their guides on laws pertaining to Dead Bodies and Fortune Telling.
- Case Law from the Crypt: This article from the New York State Bar Association Journal provides an overview of laws and cases related to haunted houses, Halloween costumes and even chainsaw maniacs.
- Revealing the Presence of Ghosts: This post from the Law Library of Congress considers the laws of England to determine whether sellers are required to disclose the presence of ghosts. The post also includes links to past posts on Halloween laws and punishments for witches (and rebellious kids).
- The Salem Witch Trials: A Legal Bibliography for Halloween: For a more sobering look at witchcraft and the law, consider this legal bibliography, prepared by a librarian at the D’Angelo Law Library at the University of Chicago Law School. It includes historical and modern legal sources relating to witchcraft, and specifically the Salem Witch Trials.
Hopefully these sources will give you a fun insight into how law and Halloween intersect. Feel free to post any examples we may have missed in the comments!