Such a situation is reminiscent of the old South, where civil rights violations were routine, obscure statutes were selectively enforced, and violence against blacks was overlooked, if not encouraged.

"Jews are not permitted to ride astride animals," declared another obscure statute, "but must keep their feet to one side."

And then he researched and discovered another obscure statute.

Now, however, they are expected to face far more charges of abusing corporate assets, an obscure French statute with an elastic statute of limitations.

Even longtime New Yorkers have never heard of the law the environmental inspector cited - an obscure 1971 statute that prohibits vehicles from parking for more than three minutes with their engines running.

The authorities charged Mr. Ryan, who was suspended with pay after he was indicted last July, under an obscure federal statute that dates to 1838.

When he refused to sign, immigration agents threatened him with criminal prosecution under an obscure 1952 federal statute that carries up to four years in prison for interfering with a deportation.

Created by an obscure 1871 statute before most municipal police departments existed, the agency operates as a quasi-police force.

Florida Republicans are homing in on an obscure statute that they believe could give them a decisive hand in choosing the state's 25 electors.

He wasn't really sick, the associates said, but under an obscure statute Ukraine's officials cannot be dismissed while in the hospital.