Top 10: Harsh Legal Systems
Common criminal act: Possessing one marijuana seed
Jail sentence in Ohio: Light to non-existent
Jail sentence in Malaysia: Up to five years in jail
Malaysia has a majority Muslim population who are ruled by Sharia law, while the rest work under civil law. In the past few years, Malaysia’s Muslim population has demanded Sharia law rule the entire population. This shift in the legal system would mean that Muslims and non-Muslims could be punished -- either with prison time, fines or caning -- for things such as public displays of affection and serving non-halal food. Also, Malaysia recently arrested male cross-dressers for wearing women’s clothing.