151+ Fun Law Trivia Facts to Stump Your Friends

Law trivia is a fun way to challenge your friends and family, but coming up with engaging questions can be tough.

This article provides many interesting law trivia facts that will impress and stump even the most knowledgeable people in your circle.

We’ve compiled over 151+ interesting law trivia facts spanning various legal topics, from bizarre laws to landmark cases and legal history.

Whether you’re a legal professional, a trivia enthusiast, or simply looking to liven up your next gathering, these fun facts will help you create an entertaining and educational experience for everyone involved.

Interesting Law Trivia Questions & Answers

Historical Law Trivia

1. What was the first written legal code in ancient Mesopotamia?
   A: The Code of Ur-Nammu, written around 2100-2050 BC.

2. In ancient Greek law, what was the term for a temporary marriage contract?
   A: Engysis.

3. What was the primary legal text of the Byzantine Empire, compiled under the emperor Justinian I?
   A: The Corpus Juris Civilis.

4. What legal system, known as “trial by ordeal,” was used in medieval Europe?
   A: To determine guilt or innocence in criminal cases.

5. What was the name of the legal code that governed the ancient Persian Empire under Darius I?
   A: The Behistun Inscription.

6. In ancient Chinese law, what punishment was known as “five pains”?
   A: A series of physical punishments that included beating, branding, cutting off the nose, amputation of limbs, and death.

7. What was the name of the legal code that governed the Aztec Empire?
   A: The Mendoza Codex.

8. In ancient Egyptian law, what was the role of the “Kenbet”?
   A: A local council that acted as a court of law and administered justice.

9. What was the name of the legal code that governed the Inca Empire?
   A: The Quipu, a system of knotted cords used for record-keeping and legal administration.

10. In medieval Islamic law, what was the term for charitable trust?
    A: Waqf.

11. What was the name of the first known written legal code in ancient India?
    A: The Code of Manu or Manusmriti.

12. In ancient Celtic law, what was the term for a legal contract involving surety or guarantee?
    A: Aitire.

13. What was the name of the legal code that governed the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan?
    A: The Yassa.

14. In medieval Scandinavian law, what was the term for a type of trial by combat?
    A: Holmgang.

15. What was the name of the legal code that governed the ancient Sumerian city-state of Lagash?
    A: The Reforms of Urukagina.

16. In ancient Babylonian law, what was the term for a legal document used for adoption?
    A: Mar-banûtu.

17. What was the name of the legal code that governed the ancient Hittite Empire?
    A: The Hittite Laws.

18. In medieval English law, what was the term for a trial by jury?
    A: Assize.

19. What was the name of the legal code that governed the ancient city-state of Athens?
    A: The Draconian Constitution.

20. In ancient Roman law, what was the term for legal action used to recover property?
    A: Rei vindicatio.

21. What was the name of the legal code that governed the Visigothic Kingdom in early medieval Spain?
    A: The Liber Iudiciorum or Lex Visigothorum.

22. In medieval Canon law, what was the term for legal immunity granted to the clergy?
    A: Benefit of clergy.

23. What was the name of the legal code that governed the ancient Mayan city-state of Tikal?
    A: The Tikal Emblem Glyph.

24. In ancient Greek law, what was the term for a type of legal action used to prosecute public offenses?
    A: Graphe.

25. What was the name of the legal code that governed the ancient city-state of Sparta?
    A: The Great Rhetra.

26. In medieval Germanic law, what was the term for a type of legal assembly?
    A: Thing or ding.

Weird and Unusual Laws



27. In what U.S. state is it illegal to play dominos on Sunday?
    A: Alabama.

28. In what country is it illegal to name your pig Napoleon?
    A: France.

29. In what U.S. state is it illegal to lasso a fish?
    A: Texas.

30. In what country is it illegal to have only one goldfish as a pet?
    A: Switzerland.

31. In what U.S. state is it illegal to sweep dirt under a rug in your house?
    A: Washington.

32. In what country is it illegal to wear a suit of armor in Parliament?
    A: United Kingdom.

33. In what U.S. state is it illegal to give a lighted cigar to a dog?
    A: Alaska.

34. In what country is it illegal to eat an orange in the bathtub?
    A: California, USA.

35. In what U.S. state is it illegal to sell a haunted house without disclosing its haunted status?
    A: New York.

36. In what country is it illegal to drive a dirty car?
    A: Russia.

37. In what U.S. state is it illegal to place an elephant fish in your bathtub?
    A: Minnesota.

38. In what country is it illegal to step on money?
    A: Thailand.

39. In what U.S. state is it illegal to use a fork to eat watermelon in public?
    A: Georgia.

40. In what country is it illegal to own only one guinea pig?
    A: Switzerland.

41. In what U.S. state is it illegal to sing in public while wearing a swimsuit?
    A: Florida.

42. In what country is it illegal to shake out your carpets after 8 PM?
    A: United Kingdom.

43. In what U.S. state is it illegal to let your donkey sleep in a bathtub?
    A: Arizona.

44. In what country is it illegal to own just one rabbit?
    A: Switzerland.

45. In what U.S. state is it illegal to ride a camel on a highway?
    A: Nevada.

46. In what country is it illegal to feed pigeons?
    A: Venice, Italy.

47. In what U.S. state is it illegal to take a lion to the movies?
    A: Maryland.

48. In what country is it illegal to mow your lawn on Sunday?
    A: Switzerland.

49. In what U.S. state is it illegal to play hopscotch on a Sunday?
    A: Missouri.

50. In what country is it illegal to forget your wife’s birthday?
    A: Samoa.

51. In what U.S. state is it illegal to sell a hollow log?
    A: Tennessee.

52. In what country is it illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament?
    A: United Kingdom.

Famous Legal Cases



53. What famous 1925 trial involved a high school teacher accused of violating the Butler Act, which prohibited teaching human evolution in Tennessee schools?
    A: The Scopes “Monkey” Trial.

54. What landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court case declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional?
    A: Brown v. Board of Education.

55. What famous 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case legalized abortion nationwide?
    A: Roe v. Wade.

56. In the 1995 murder trial of O.J. Simpson, who was the lead defense attorney?
    A: Johnnie Cochran.

57. What famous 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case established the right to an attorney for criminal defendants who cannot afford one?
    A: Gideon v. Wainwright.

58. In the 2002 case of Atkins v. Virginia, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding the execution of intellectually disabled individuals?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that executing intellectually disabled individuals violates the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

59. What landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case legalized same-sex marriage nationwide?
    A: Obergefell v. Hodges.

60. What was the main issue in the 2018 Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case?
    A: The case dealt with the conflict between the rights of a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple and the couple’s right to be free from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

61. What famous 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case established the “Miranda Rights” for suspects in police custody?
    A: Miranda v. Arizona.

62. In the 1998 case of Clinton v. Jones, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding presidential immunity from civil lawsuits?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that a sitting president is not immune from civil litigation for acts done before and unrelated to the office.

63. What landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court case struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage?
    A: Loving v. Virginia.

64. In the 2010 case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding campaign finance?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting independent expenditures by corporations, unions, and other associations for political campaigns.

65. What famous 1803 U.S. Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
    A: Marbury v. Madison.

66. In the 2013 case of United States v. Windsor, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of DOMA, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman for federal purposes, was unconstitutional.

67. What landmark 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine?
    A: Plessy v. Ferguson.

68. In the 2008 case of District of Columbia v. Heller, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding the Second Amendment?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia and to use that firearm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.

69. What famous 1964 U.S. Supreme Court case established the “actual malice” standard for defamation cases involving public figures?
    A: New York Times Co. v. Sullivan.

70. In the 2018 case of Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding public-sector unions?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that public-sector unions cannot require non-members to pay “agency fees” covering the costs of non-political union activities.

71. What landmark 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case established the right to legal counsel during police interrogations (the “Escobedo Rule”)?
    A: Escobedo v. Illinois.

72. In the 2000 case of Bush v. Gore, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding the Florida recount in the presidential election?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that the Florida recount violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and halted the recount, effectively ending the 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush.

73. What famous 1965 U.S. Supreme Court case established a constitutional right to privacy and struck down a Connecticut law prohibiting the use of contraceptives?
    A: Griswold v. Connecticut.

74. In the 2014 case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that closely held for-profit corporations can be exempt from the contraceptive mandate if it violates their owners’ religious beliefs.

75. What landmark 1962 U.S. Supreme Court case prohibited state-sponsored prayer in public schools?
    A: Engel v. Vitale.

76. In the 2015 case of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. The Inclusive Communities Project, Inc., what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding the Fair Housing Act?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that disparate impact claims are cognizable under the Fair Housing Act, meaning that plaintiffs can challenge practices that have a discriminatory effect even if there was no intent to discriminate.

77. What famous 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case established the “clear and present danger” test for free speech?
    A: Brandenburg v. Ohio.

78. In the 2016 case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, what did the U.S. Supreme Court rule regarding Texas abortion regulations?
    A: The Supreme Court ruled that the Texas regulations, which required abortion clinics to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers and abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, placed an undue burden on women seeking abortions and were unconstitutional.

Fun Facts About Lawyers and Judges



79. Which former U.S. president later served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
    A: William Howard Taft.

80. What is the term for a lawyer representing the government in criminal cases?
    A: Prosecutor or District Attorney.

81. Which U.S. Supreme Court justice was known for loving horse racing and owning a racehorse named “Wonder”?
    A: John Marshall Harlan II.

82. What is the term for a lawyer specializing in intellectual property law, such as patents and trademarks?
    A: An intellectual property (IP) attorney.

83. Which famous lawyer and Women’s Rights advocate was the first woman to run for U.S. President?
    A: Victoria Woodhull.

84. What is the term for a lawyer representing clients in matters related to wills, trusts, and estates?
    A: An estate planning attorney or probate lawyer.

85. Which U.S. Supreme Court justice was known for his love of RVing and often traveled the country in his RV during court recesses?
    A: Clarence Thomas.

86. What is the term for a lawyer who specializes in maritime law?
    A: An admiralty lawyer or maritime attorney.

87. Which famous lawyer and civil rights activist was the first woman to be admitted to the Mississippi Bar?
    A: Marian Wright Edelman.

88. What is the term for a lawyer representing clients in divorce, child custody, and other family law issues?
    A: A family law attorney or divorce lawyer.

89. Which U.S. Supreme Court justice was known for his love of bridge and often played with his clerks?
    A: John Paul Stevens.

90. What is the term for a lawyer who specializes in aviation law?
    A: An aviation attorney.

91. Which famous lawyer and women’s rights activist argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in Reed v. Reed, a landmark case establishing gender equality under the Equal Protection Clause?
    A: Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

92. What is the term for a lawyer who represents clients in matters related to real estate transactions?
    A: A real estate attorney.

93. Which U.S. Supreme Court justice was known for his love of tennis and often played with his clerks?
    A: Byron White.

94. What is the term for a lawyer who specializes in sports law?
    A: A sports attorney.

95. Which famous lawyer and women’s rights activist founded the National Women’s Law Center?
    A: Marcia Greenberger.

96. What is the term for a lawyer who specializes in entertainment law?
    A: An entertainment attorney.

97. Which U.S. Supreme Court justice was known for his love of baseball and often attended games during summer recess?
    A: Harry Blackmun.

98. What is the term for a lawyer who represents clients in matters related to Social Security disability benefits?
    A: A social security disability attorney.

99. Which famous lawyer and civil rights activist founded the Equal Rights Advocates organization?
    A: Nancy Davis.

100. What is the term for a lawyer who specializes in elder law?
     A: An elder law attorney.

Legal Trivia in Pop Culture



101. In the TV series “Breaking Bad,” what type of lawyer is Saul Goodman?
     A: A criminal defense attorney.

102. What is the name of the fictional law school in the movie “Legally Blonde”?
     A: Harvard Law School.

103. In the movie “A Few Good Men,” who plays the role of the defense attorney, Lt. Daniel Kaffee?
     A: Tom Cruise.

104. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “The Good Wife”?
     A: Lockhart/Gardner.

105. In the movie “The Lincoln Lawyer,” what is the main character’s primary mode of transportation?
     A: A Lincoln Town Car.

106. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “Boston Legal”?
     A: Crane, Poole & Schmidt.

107. In the movie “Erin Brockovich,” who plays the titular character, a legal clerk who helps win a major lawsuit against a utility company?
     A: Julia Roberts.

108. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “Damages”?
     A: Hewes & Associates.

109. In the movie “The Firm,” who plays the role of Mitch McDeere, a young attorney who joins a corrupt law firm?
     A: Tom Cruise.

110. What is the name of the fictional law school in the TV series “How to Get Away with Murder”?
     A: Middleton University.

111. In the movie “The Devil’s Advocate,” who plays the role of the demonic head of a New York City law firm?
     A: Al Pacino.

112. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “The Practice”?
     A: Donnell, Young, Dole & Frutt.

113. In the movie “Liar Liar,” who plays the role of the lawyer forced to tell the truth for 24 hours?
     A: Jim Carrey.

114. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “Pearson”?
     A: Pearson Specter Litt.

115. In the movie “Primal Fear,” who plays the role of the defense attorney Martin Vail?
     A: Richard Gere.

116. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “Ally McBeal”?
     A: Cage and Fish.

117. In the movie “The Pelican Brief,” who plays the role of the law student Darby Shaw?
     A: Julia Roberts.

118. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “The Good Fight”?
     A: Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart.

119. In the movie “Runaway Jury,” who plays the role of the jury consultant Rankin Fitch?
     A: Gene Hackman.

120. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “Franklin & Bash”?
     A: Infeld Daniels.

121. In the movie “The Client,” who plays the role of the young boy Mark Sway?
     A: Brad Renfro.

122. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “Suits”?
     A: Pearson Hardman (later Pearson Specter Litt).

123. In the movie “A Time to Kill,” who plays the role of the defense attorney Jake Brigance?
     A: Matthew McConaughey.

124. What is the name of the fictional law school in the TV series “The Paper Chase”?
     A: Harvard Law School.

125. In the movie “Philadelphia,” who plays the role of the lawyer Joe Miller?
     A: Denzel Washington.

126. What is the name of the fictional law firm in the TV series “L.A. Law”?
     A: McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney, and Kuzak.

Fun Legal Terms and Concepts



127. What is the legal term for a person who dies without leaving a will?
     A: Intestate.

128. What is the term for a legal document that allows someone to make decisions on behalf of another person in the event of incapacitation?
     A: Power of attorney.

129. What legal principle states a defendant is innocent until proven guilty?
     A: Presumption of innocence.

130. What is the term for a legal agreement in which one party agrees to drop criminal charges against the other party in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge?
     A: Plea bargain.

131. What is the legal term for a person called to testify in court?
     A: A witness.

132. What is the term for a legal document that officially ends a marriage?
     A: Divorce decree.

133. What legal principle prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime?
     A: Double jeopardy.

134. What is the term for a legal document that sets out the terms of a person’s employment?
     A: Employment contract.

135. What is the legal term for a person who makes a will?
     A: Testator (male) or Testatrix (female).

136. What is the term for a legal action that seeks to resolve a dispute between two parties without going to trial?
     A: Mediation or arbitration.

137. What legal principle allows a person to defend themselves or others using reasonable force?
     A: Self-defense.

138. What is the term for a legal document that transfers real estate ownership from one party to another?
     A: Deed.

139. What is the legal term for a person owed money by another party?
     A: Creditor.

140. What is the term for a legal action that seeks to have a court declare a law or government action unconstitutional?
     A: Constitutional challenge.

141. What legal principle holds a person responsible for harm caused by their actions, even if the harm was unintentional?
     A: Strict liability.

142. What is the term for a legal document granting a minor permission to engage in certain activities, such as traveling abroad or receiving medical treatment?
     A: Consent form or waiver.

143. What is the legal term for a person sued in a civil case?
     A: Defendant.

144. What is the term for a legal action that seeks to have a court order a government official to perform a specific duty?
     A: Writ of mandamus.

145. What legal principle allows evidence obtained illegally to be excluded from a trial?
     A: Exclusionary rule.

146. What is the term for a legal document that sets out the terms of a divorce settlement?
     A: Divorce settlement agreement.

147. What is the legal term for a person injured or suffered damages due to another party’s actions?
     A: Plaintiff.

148. What is the term for a legal action that seeks to have a court declare that a contract is invalid or unenforceable?
     A: Contract rescission.

149. What legal principle requires a person to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages after an injury or loss?
     A: Mitigation of damages.

150. What is the term for a legal document that establishes a business partnership?
     A: Partnership agreement.

151. What is the legal term for a person who manages the assets and distributes the property of a deceased person’s estate?
     A: Executor (male) or Executrix (female).

152. What is the term for a legal action that seeks to have a court order a person to stop engaging in a particular activity or behavior?
     A: Injunction.

153. What legal principle allows a person to sue for damages caused by a defective product, regardless of fault?
     A: Product liability.

154. What is the term for a legal document that sets out the terms of a lease agreement?
     A: Lease or rental agreement.

155. What is the legal term for a person appointed by a court to manage the financial affairs of another person who cannot do so themselves?
     A: Conservator or guardian.

156. What is the term for a legal action that seeks to have a court divide property and assets between two parties, such as in a divorce?
     A: Property division or asset division.

Conclusion

We’ve covered many fascinating legal tidbits, from ancient legal codes to bizarre modern laws, landmark cases, and pop culture references.

These trivia questions not only entertain but also shed light on the diverse and sometimes surprising world of law.

Whether you’re a legal professional, a trivia buff, or simply curious about the legal system, this list will pique your interest and expand your knowledge.

So, gather your friends, family, or colleagues, and put your legal trivia skills to the test!

Who knows, you might discover a newfound appreciation for the law’s quirky, complex, and interesting nature.

Happy quizzing!