OK.  The law, as a gazillion different places on the internet states, is that “it is illegal to stab yourself to gain someone’s pity.”  As it turns out, this is an inaccurate rewording of the actual law.  It makes it funnier.  Did you laugh?

The real law is Section 13A-14-1 which says, “Maiming one’s self to escape duty or obtain alms” is illegal.  Here’s the full text:  “Every person who, with design to disable himself form performing a legal duty, existing or anticipated, shall inflice upon himself and injury whereby he is so disabled and every person who shall so injure himself with intent to avail himself of such injury to excite sympathy or to obtain alms or some charitable relief shall be guilty of a felony.”

It looks like this law was first written in 1923, which made me wonder about what was happening in Alabama in 1923.  It seems that that year there were a series of Tornadoes in Alabama, as well as a large dam project.  Perhaps people were trying to get out of duty by stabbing themselves?  Maybe someone tried to cash in on tornado relief?

Unfortunately, my one Alabama connection is traveling, but if I get a firm answer on this I will update the post.  If you know know why this law was written (or, for that matter, have a good imagination and want to make up something) please feel free to comment below.

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