Odd Laws Still on the Books
Dueling, a $5 fine for swearing and a tattoo only for medicine: real Rhode Island sections
Lists of strange state laws get passed around with no section number attached. Every one below has one, read from the Rhode Island General Laws.
Who handles this in Rhode Island: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Rhode Island directory.
| The law | What it says | Breaking it |
|---|---|---|
| The lawA duel | What it saysFighting a duel with a dangerous weapon, or even challenging someone to one or accepting the challenge with no duel fought, is a crime. | Breaking itOne to seven years |
| The lawSwearing | What it saysProfane swearing and cursing is an offense. | Breaking itA fine of up to $5 |
| The lawA teenager's tattoo | What it saysNo one may tattoo a minor under 18, with a parent or without, unless it is for a medical purpose. | Breaking itSee the tattoo page |
Many laws that sound strange are city or town ordinances rather than state law; this page covers only the General Laws. Whether a particular act broke one of these sections is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-12-2 — Challenging or accepting challenge to duel
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-11-5 — Profanity
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-12-1 — Engaging in duel
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-9-15 — Tattooing of minors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.