LAW

It was about modernization—and also politics.

Why the Letters Q, W, and X Were Once Illegal in Türkiye

Sometimes the letter of the law has tough things to say about, well, letters.

From this moment on, multiple entities have argued over ownership of the ‘Titanic’

Who Owns the ‘Titanic’?

The complicated legal case involving salvage rights to the RMS ‘Titanic’ continues, 40 years after the famous shipwreck was rediscovered.

Scotland Has “No Intention” of Banning Cats, First Minister Confirms

The Scottish government won’t be rounding up people’s pets any time soon.

One of the biggest differences between a ship and a boat is size—but it’s not the only one.

Ship vs. Boat: What’s the Difference?

You will instantly reveal yourself as a landlubber if you refer to a ship as a boat. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Elizabeth Freeman, the Formerly Enslaved Woman Who Successfully Sued for Her Freedom

The courts ruled that the newly passed Massachusetts Constitution guaranteed that Freeman was indeed a free woman.

Need an iPhone With TikTok Access? They’re Being Listed for Thousands on eBay

Those with TikTok withdrawal can get their fix. For a price.

Artifacts at the ‘Titanic’ wreck may never see the light of day.

‘Titanic’ Salvage Missions Placed on Indefinite Hold Thanks to Legal Issues

A blend of bureaucracy and saltwater is conspiring to keep any of the ship’s remaining secrets from being brought to the surface.

Swearing the presidential Oath of Office on a Bible is traditional, but not required.

Has Every U.S. President Been Sworn in on a Bible?

The U.S. Constitution requires every president-elect to swear the Oath of Office—and that’s about it.

Popeye will soon be at the mercy of low-budget filmmakers.

10 Works Entering the Public Domain in 2025

The 95-year limit on copyright is about to expire on some classic movies, books, and one cartoon sailor.

It's hard to keep a good vamp movie down.

How the Classic Vampire Movie ‘Nosferatu’ Cheated Court-Ordered Death

‘Nosferatu’ was not the first vampire film, but it is (arguably) the oldest surviving one. Discover more about the legal battle that almost put this classic vampire flick in an early grave.

The Supreme Court has weighed a convicted person’s right to refuse a pardon in three major cases.

Can a Person Refuse a Presidential Pardon?

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in at least three cases on a person’s right to refuse a presidential pardon.

Let’s investigate the high-stakes world of Social Security trivia.

Was the First-Ever Social Security Number Really 001-01-0001?

In 1936, someone got bragging rights to having the lowest possible Social Security Number—but only after several others turned it down.

Keep these laws in mind when traveling to these countries.

Map Shows How Driving Etiquette Differs Around the World

This map covers the surprising driving laws and customs followed in 180 countries.

Uncrustables shook the sandwich and patent worlds.

How Uncrustables Reinvented the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

A sealed, crustless sandwich shook the patent world to its core.

President Obama departing the White House on January 20, 2016.

Here’s When a President’s Term Officially Ends

Inauguration Day isn’t just a matter of scheduling—presidential term limits are exactly four years, down to the hour.

7 Historical ‘Wars on Christmas’

Christmas has been canceled a fair number of times throughout history.

Why Do Supreme Court Justices Serve for Life?

Alexander Hamilton argued that lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court were the only way, but some modern scholars disagree.

New Yorkers might be able to take days off to care for their sick pets.

New York City Workers Could Soon Use Paid Sick Leave to Care for Ill Pets

Tired of lying to your boss when you need to take time off to bring Fluffy or Fido to the vet? A new bill could change things for you.

Are Haunted House Waivers Legally Enforceable?

Can a haunted attraction really be insulated against legal action for scaring people? A law expert weighs in.

Does a Realtor Have to Disclose That a House Is Supposedly Haunted?

The answer depends on where you hope to live.

The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023

In honor of Banned Books Week, the ALA published its list of 2023’s most contentious titles.

Linhares’ new law gives part of the ocean several protections.

Brazilian City Grants Legal Personhood to Ocean Waves in Historic First

Linhares in Brazil has taken a groundbreaking step by granting human rights to part of the ocean.

The “right to disconnect” law can possibly lessen stress in employees.

Australia Passes Law Protecting Workers’ Right to Log Off at the End of the Day

Australia is making changes to ensure employees are truly “off” from work during off hours.

Blue jeans can be an important forensic tool.

Jean Theory: How the FBI Has Solved Crimes Using Denim

The distinctive wear patterns on your Levi's could put you behind bars.