A closer look
History is full of ridiculous legislation, but few top the rumored British mandate forbidding anyone from dying inside the Houses of Parliament. While often debated by modern historians, the rule was deeply rooted in the premise that anyone dying within a royal palace was legally entitled to a state funeral. To avoid footing the massive bill, authorities supposedly ensured that anyone who looked suspiciously close to death was quickly carried out the door. It is a darkly hilarious reminder of how far governments will go to save a buck.
