terrapinsanity.com

The twitterverse was busy debating Maryland Terp’s new football uniform. Some like it, some think it is a crime. No seriously, it might be a crime. The jersey is based on the Maryland state flag, and it is against the law to place advertising on the flag (hmm, too bad Under Armor) or use it for crass commercial purposes. You be the judge …

CRIMINAL LAW
TITLE 10. CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, CONDUCT, AND SENSIBILITIES
SUBTITLE 7. MARYLAND UNIFORM FLAG LAW

Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 10-703 (2011)

§ 10-703. Marked flag and merchandise

(a) Scope of section. — This section applies to a flag of the United States or of this State, or a flag that is authorized by law of the United States or of this State.

(b) Prohibited — Advertising marking. — For exhibition or display, a person may not place or cause to be placed a word, figure, mark, picture, design, or advertisement of any nature on a flag.

(c) Same — Public display of marked flag. — A person may not publicly exhibit a flag with a word, figure, mark, picture, design, or advertisement printed, painted, or produced on or attached to the flag.

(d) Same — Merchandise marked with flag. — A person may not publicly display for sale, manufacture, or otherwise, or sell, give, or possess for sale or for use as a gift or for any other purpose, an article of merchandise or receptacle on which a flag is produced or attached to advertise, decorate, or mark the merchandise.

(e) Penalty. — A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 500.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, §§ 82, 85; 2002, ch. 26, § 2.