In today’s outgoing society people are constantly on a progressive cycle and going places. This is especially evident in today’s youth that from about the age of twelve are constantly going with friends to malls or movies on the weekends. This was not always so. Imagine being home on Sunday because there was no place for you to go with your friends to have fun. All the stores and movie theaters were closed. This was a reality a few years back in the Rio Grande Valley and many other parts of the country. It was caused by legislature that had already been in existence for many years. This type of legislature in known as Blue Laws. Blue laws originated with the original colonies of the United States. Connecticut was the first colony to pass a blue law. They were called "Blue Laws" because of the blue paper they were printed on. One was even present in the constitution of the United States. The 18th Amendment calls for the prohibition of alcohol. But, like most Blue Laws it was repealed. Some blue laws still exist. Such as the prohibition of selling alcohol on Sunday mornings. Blue laws have existed from the beginning of our country and have added to the character of the United States.

    First, Blue Laws originated in New Haven, Connecticut. They started as a group of regulations that dealt with both public and private behavior. One of the early blue laws on marriage was that of adultery or, in today’s terms, having an affair. At one point having an affair was against the law and a criminal felony. Today we find this type of law outrageous, but in the time it was passed it was perfectly accepted. It is obvious that this law is no longer enforced since the entire "Scandal" the United State’s president is going through is entirely based upon adultery. Another blue law that has been abolished is that of the 18th Amendment that prohibits the sell or manufacture of alcohol. This amendment was abolished because it was so difficult to enforce. Living in the Rio Grande Valley one knows how easy it is to purchase alcohol in Mexico. Local authorities in "The Valley" have a difficult time keeping minors from drinking; one can only imagine what type of difficulty authorities had enforcing the 18th Amendment.

    Second, not all blue laws have been abolished. In fact some have just recently been added to the law books. Recently, the prohibition of cigarette advertising on television has become a new law. This blue law was added with he intention to lure teenagers and everybody else away from smoking and came after a huge lawsuit against cigarette manufacturers. Although it was made to protect the citizens of the United States, some might argue that it violates both the freedom of speech and freedom of the press rights assured to all citizens by the 1st Amendment. Another blue law that is still in effect in Texas is the prohibition of the sale of alcohol Sunday until midday. This law is used to promote family life and worship. Some would argue that a non married atheist would see no purpose in the enforcement of this law. Others say that it prevents individuals from becoming drunk early on Sunday.

    Thirdly, blue laws had strong impact in the Rio Grande Valley. In about 1984 many laws that we would consider blue laws were in effect in the lower Rio Grande Valley. One such law was the closing of malls and movie theaters on Sundays. This law was used to promote the gathering of families and the worship of God on Sundays. This law slowly faded as more and more businesses stared opening on Sundays. Another law was that the few stores that would open on Sundays could only sell food products. If an individual wanted to buy shampoo they would not be allowed to do so because it was not a food product. Alcohol was also prohibited to be sold on Sundays. A slightly changed form of this law is still in effect in the entire state of Texas.

    In conclusion, blue laws both in the past and in the present have had a great influence in both the private and public lives of individuals in this country. From their early start in the original colonies to their die hard character in today’s business management on Sundays. Blue laws, even those that have been abolished, have all played an important role in shaping the character of the United States.