Have you ever unintentionally broken the law?

A good question. A tricky question. Have I unintentionally broken the law? Off the top of my head, I don’t think so. Then again, if I’ve accidentally done so, I wouldn’t be aware of doing so. I guess it’s possible, but I am really struggling to think of an example.

I suspect accidental lawbreaking happens all the time, especially if some of the laws on the books are utterly ridiculous and not enforced. Did you know that it is illegal not to smile in the city of Milan? The exceptions would be at a funeral or hospital, but other than that, you’re expected to permanently display your happiness (that came out slightly wrong). It is also illegal to pass wind in public after 6pm in Florida. Again, who is going to know that? That would be an easy law to accidentally break!

With the more regular set of laws, it’s hard for me to conceive how you could accidentally break them. How does one accidentally punch someone, or rob someone? Perhaps I’m suffering from a lack of imagination. It’s certainly something to ponder.