Legal Oddities of 2025: Shark Bills, AI Slip-Ups, and Sandwich Trials

In an unusual year for the legal system, 2025 saw a mix of bizarre legislative proposals, the pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and unexpected courtroom outcomes. These incidents not only highlighted the quirks of the legal landscape but also raised questions about accountability and the role of technology in law.

Shark Bill Surfaces in Iowa

One of the more peculiar events occurred in January when a member of the Iowa Legislature introduced a bill aimed at protecting citizens from shark bites. While Iowa is far from any ocean, the proposal was inspired by a rare incident where an individual was bitten by an 18-inch bamboo shark at a local zoo. The bill sought to classify sharks as “dangerous and wild animals,” making it illegal to pet or harass them.

According to the Des Moines Register, this bill “sunk” in legislative discussions, but it illustrates how lawmakers sometimes tackle issues that seem disconnected from their constituents’ realities. Even though the proposal failed, it raised eyebrows and may resurface in future legislative sessions.

AI Missteps in Legal Arguments

Another significant theme of 2025 was the challenges lawyers faced when relying on artificial intelligence. High-profile cases revealed that some attorneys submitted legal arguments citing nonexistent court cases or statutes. Notably, during a case involving Mike Lindell, known as the “My Pillow Guy,” one attorney could not adequately explain the origins of a cited case that turned out to be fictional.

The judge in this Colorado case imposed fines of $3,000 on Lindell’s attorneys, underscoring the importance of accuracy in legal documentation. The attorney eventually admitted that AI had generated parts of the brief without proper verification. This incident highlights the evolving relationship between technology and the legal profession, where the use of AI can lead to serious consequences.

American Secretary of Education Linda McMahon even humorously noted that AI is pronounced like “A1” steak sauce, but the ramifications of improper use are anything but trivial. As the legal community grapples with integrating AI into practice, the lessons learned from these cases are likely to influence future guidelines.

The Sandwich Incident: A Grand Jury’s Rejection

One of the most talked-about legal stories of the year involved a man who faced felony charges for allegedly throwing a sandwich at an officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This case gained notoriety as it challenged the long-standing belief that federal grand juries will approve nearly any indictment. Contrary to this notion, the grand jury opted not to indict the accused, leading to misdemeanor charges being filed directly by the Justice Department.

The trial jury ultimately acquitted the defendant, marking a significant moment in legal proceedings that some had jokingly suggested would lead to an increase in sandwich-related offenses against ICE personnel. This case serves as a reminder that even seemingly trivial actions can have serious legal implications and that the judicial system can sometimes surprise us with its outcomes.

As we reflect on the legal highlights of 2025, it becomes clear that the year offered a unique blend of humor, controversy, and cautionary tales. From improbable legislative initiatives to the challenges posed by technological advancements, these stories reveal the complexities of law in modern society. Attorney Frank Zotter, Jr. highlights that while these events may appear as mere curiosities, they underscore essential discussions about accountability, the impact of technology, and the nature of justice in our communities.