Legal Definitions - blue law

A blue law is a state or local regulation that restricts or prohibits certain commercial activities, entertainment, or other public behaviors on specific days, most commonly Sundays or religious holidays. While these laws historically originated from religious observances, courts have generally upheld them as serving the secular purpose of providing a uniform day of rest for citizens.

• Example 1: Car Dealership Closures

  Imagine a state where a law prohibits all automobile dealerships from opening for sales on Sundays. This means that even if a dealership wanted to operate, and customers wanted to buy a car, the transaction cannot legally occur on that day.

  This illustrates a blue law because it directly regulates a commercial activity (car sales) on a specific day (Sunday). Despite its historical roots in religious observance, the law is often justified today as promoting a common day of rest for workers and the community.

• Example 2: Sunday Hunting Restrictions

  Consider a county ordinance that forbids hunting of any kind on Sundays. Hunters must wait until Monday or another weekday to pursue game, even if the hunting season is open.

  This is a blue law because it restricts a recreational activity (hunting) on a particular day (Sunday). It limits public behavior and activity, aligning with the concept of a designated day of rest or quiet, even if the original motivation was religious.

• Example 3: Early Closing for Specific Retailers

  In a particular town, a local statute dictates that all retail stores selling furniture or large appliances must close by 6:00 PM on Sundays, while other types of retail businesses, like grocery stores or pharmacies, are permitted to remain open until 9:00 PM.

  This demonstrates a blue law through its regulation of specific commercial activities (furniture and appliance sales) with different operating hours on a Sunday compared to other businesses. It's a partial restriction on commerce tied to a specific day, reflecting the historical pattern of blue laws.