He Sued the Devil (And the Judge Actually Answered): The Legend of Mayo v. Satan

Can you hold the Prince of Darkness legally liable for a streak of bad luck?

In 1971, a man named Gerald Mayo decided to find out. In this episode of Weird Americana, we explore the bizarre true story of Mayo v. Satan and His Staff, a real federal lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania. Mayo claimed the Devil had caused his "downfall" and placed deliberate obstacles in his path, violating his constitutional rights.

We’ll dive into the incredible legal history of the case and the legendary ruling by Judge Gerald Weber, who dismissed the suit on the most practical (and hilarious) grounds imaginable. It’s a 10-minute look at the limits of the American legal system and the man who took the ultimate "bad boss" to court.