For entertainment purposes only. Laws may have changed. Not legal advice.
Technology Washington

You cannot knowingly send a false message via telegraph.

Status: Still Enforced / On the Books

The Law Explained

Before the internet, the telegraph was the fastest way to transmit critical information. This law was passed to criminalize 'trolls' of the 1800s who would send fake telegrams about deaths, financial crashes, or incoming attacks just to cause a panic. It is essentially the 19th-century equivalent of banning someone for swatting or spreading malicious fake news online.

📚 Source / Legal Code

Official Code Citation: RCW 9.73.010
Where to look:

Revised Code of Washington - Privacy and Communications

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and may not reflect current law. Always consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.