Laughing Out Loud

Scandalous meme!

Since its supposed emergence in Calgary in the mid-1980s, the internet acronym "LOL" has become possibly the most incorrectly used term of internet slang. Many users of the phrase that means "laugh out loud" express it in statements of mere chuckling.

Giving a false confession under duress

Marty Tankleff before prison

Marty Tankleff was 17 when he discovered his adoptive parents bludgeoned and stabbed. His mother, Arlene, was dead and his father, Seymour, within an inch of his life.

Dressing like a priest

We know you're not a real monk!

Father Ted Crilly, Pastor Rev. Jonathan Clunas and Monk had better beware: they and other fake clergy can face up to a year in jail.

Playing a "boom box" on the bus

Bostonians, make sure you've got headphones on if you're listening to music while riding the MBTA. Otherwise, you're not just annoying, you could do jail time.

NIGERIA EDITION: Things Goats Can Go to Jail for

Horned and dangerous.

A goat was arrested in Nigeria in 2009. He allegedly did a ba-a-a-ad thing.

Annoying a Hunter

We have heard many tales of vacations gone bad, and the cause is usually other people: airline schedulers, hotel receptionists, Mickey Mouse, manic spouses, teen fiction authors and even poor travel planning by Hitler's high command. The only recourse vacationers can usually expect is a refund and a story to tell.

Recording the police

In some states, holding the government accountable can get you in prison.

Playing music

People tend to get annoyed when the neighbors play loud music. But do the melodious malefactors deserve to go to jail for it?

Not helping the police arrest someone

Most of us like to think that when the need arises, we would step forward and do what we can to stop the bad guys. But did you know that if you don't, you can get two months in jail?

Forgetting to change your address on your vehicle registration

Welcome to my new blog. I've been kicking around the idea of starting one on this topic for a number of reasons: the excessively high number of people incarcerated in this country - more than any other country in the world - as well as the vast variety of "crimes" that can get you incarcerated.