00:00You probably know that you can't rob a bank or steal a car, but did you know that picking up
00:05a
00:05pretty rock could land you in court? The Illawarra's legal archives are wild. Take 2020 when a Taraji
00:12man literally challenged a police officer to a duel. I challenge you to a duel.
00:21His weapon of choice? A bamboo fishing rod. I know what you're thinking. A duel? Isn't that
00:28something straight out of an old-timey movie? You're right, but this ancient law, originating in the
00:331700s, still exists and it's referred to as a challenge. Or how about in 2025 when a man pocketed
00:42a pretty rock from the landscaping at a pub? Whoa, what's that? Five dollars. That's mine now.
00:52You're my lucky meteor. Right on. He was charged with stealing a rock forming
00:57part of land, an offence that can carry up to six months in jail. You guessed it, that law is
01:04still
01:05very much alive in 2026. Historically, breakups were costly too. In 1906, a Winoona woman named
01:13Agnes Millard successfully sued her ex for skipping out on their wedding, scoring a payout worth almost
01:19$95,000 in today's money. You have to hand it to her. She knew exactly what a broken promise was
01:26worth.
01:26But for scorned lovers in 2026, this tort, or civil law, won't get you any owed money as it was
01:34abolished in the 70s. And in 1941, a seaman who drunkenly badmouthed the king in Port Kembla was
01:41slapped with three months hard labour. Now, if you'd be so kind, I'd be much obliged if you dropped me
01:46off my ship.
01:47His excuse? It was the drink. But don't worry, badmouthing the crown won't give you a free pass to court
01:53anymore.
01:53So take it from our archives. Before you pick up a rock, break a heart, or grab a fishing rod,
01:59remember these tales and think twice.
02:02Friendship in 18.
02:02I'm here. I promise.
02:03Thanks to our next part.
02:03Bye.
02:03Bye.
02:06Bye.
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