The problem with having so many obscure laws is that they can be used selectively for political reasons. If it is true that we are all criminals, then we can all have our lives ruined (or at least damaged in some way) by someone powerful who we have angered.

I am reminded of a story a few years ago (a brief search found no reference) about a CEO who was fired "for cause" because he had left his water glass on a conference table in explicit violation of the policies laid out in the employee handbook. If breaking rules like that can get one fired, can anyone be fired without cause anymore? I doubt that the company's claim held up, but this still is an example of how complex rules/laws can be used to invoke the arbitrary will of the powerful.