Enforcing this Bylaw Could Land You in Jail!

Out-of-state practitioners are frequently surprised by some of California's laws, but I'm guessing that very few, if any, California lawyers are familiar with Business & Professions Code Section 16801. That section provides in part:

It is unlawful for any corporation organized under the laws of this State [i.e., California], or the board of directors, trustees, stockholders, agents, or officers of any corporation, to pass or enforce any rule, by-law, or regulation whereby any officer, stockholder, member, shareholder, agent, servant thereof, or any other person in any way interested in or connected with such corporation shall in any respect be prohibited, prevented, or enjoined from buying livestock in any market in this State where livestock is brought to be sold.

Anyone who attempts to enforce such a bylaw is guilty of a misdemeanor.  Of course, that begs the question of why anyone would want to enforce such a bylaw.