Quirky British Law Quiz

1. Magistrates are legally able to use ‘reasonable force’ to turn back an alien invasion of the UK as long as the aliens:

• a) Don't have a licence to invade

• b) Haven't received a royal summons

• c) Are radioactive

• d) Refuse to comply with the Highway Code

Answer explanation

a) Don’t have a licence to invade

This piece of legislation comes under Section 9 of The Outer Space Act 1986. The act also prohibits ordinary citizens from launching a ‘space object’ and carrying out activities on the moon or other celestial bodies.

2. If they were the Prime Minister, which of the following would not be able to advise on the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury?

• a) Jeremy Paxman

• b) Daniel Radcliffe

• c) Robbie Williams

• d) Victoria Beckham

Answer explanation

b) Daniel Radcliffe

Under the Jews Relief Act 1858, if Daniel were to become PM he wouldn’t be able to advise on the appointment of any ecclesiastical posts in the Churches of England, Ireland or Scotland because he is Jewish. Incidentally, this act was passed when Benjamin Disraeli, Britain’s first Jewish PM, was Chancellor of the Exchequer. Catholics face similar restrictions, but no such laws apply to people of other religions.

3. If a whale is caught in British coastal waters, who can claim ownership of the tail?

• a) The person who found it

• b) The King

• c) The Prime Minister

• d) The Queen

Answer explanation

d) The Queen

Dating back to the 14th-century, the statute known as Prerogativa Regis asserts that if a whale or sturgeon is caught in seas ‘adjoining the coast’, the head belongs to the King while the Queen bags the whalebone at the tail end – so she could use the bones for her corset.

• Today in practice all strandings should be reported to the Natural History Museum.

4. In 1888, local authorities in Middlesex passed a ruling that cyclists should dismount under what circumstances?

• a) When faced with an angry beggar

• b) When deer have strayed onto the road

• c) When a horse-drawn carriage is approaching

• d) When it is raining after dark

Answer explanation

c) When a horse-drawn carriage is approaching

This law came into force just a few years after bicycles took off in a big way in 1888. The resulting run-ins between pedal-crazed Victorians and carriages meant something had to be done.

5. Why is it illegal to impersonate a Chelsea Pensioner?

• a) To prevent conmen from stealing their enormous medal displays

• b) To prevent conmen stealing their pensions

• c) To keep the Chelsea Pensioner real - impersonations are unrealistic

• d) Because such elderly former footballers deserve our respect

Answer explanation

b) To prevent conmen from stealing their pensions

The Chelsea Pensioner has been a national treasure since the reign of King James II. As in-pensioners at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, these former soldiers are easily identifiable by their red military uniforms. Back when the Chelsea and Kilmainham Hospitals Act of 1826 was passed, their outfits made them easy prey for pension thieves.

6. In 1697, a UK court of law gave a decision on the matter of disciplining servants. In this ruling, what was a master permitted to use in order to provide correction?

• a) A horsewhip

• b) A cudgel

• c) A slipper

• d) A belt strap

Answer explanation

b) A cudgel

Today, of course, punishing anyone by whacking them with a stick is likely to constitute assault.

7. In the UK, scolding was outlawed in 1585. What did this mean women could no longer do?

• a) Tell children off and clip them round the ear

• b) Cause a nuisance with abusive or argumentative language

• c) Cause a nuisance with boiling water

• d) Follow men around demanding money

Answer explanation

b) Cause a nuisance with abusive or argumentative language

Women found guilty of severe scolding would be forced to wear a scold’s bridle – a metal cage that enclosed the entire head.

The good news for loud-mouthed ladies is that no prosecutions were brought for a long period of time before the offence was finally abolished by the Criminal Law Act 1967.

8. Since 1313, MPs have been forbidden from wearing what item of clothing to Parliament?

• a) A riding hat

• b) A bear suit

• c) A suit of armour

• d) A pinstriped suit

Answer explanation

c) A suit of armour

The law was intended to ensure that debates could be carried out without participants clanking noisily.

The general din that accompanies parliamentary sessions may be the number one nuisance now, but you can always make your voice heard by contacting your MP.