As a child, were you scared to rip the "Do not remove under penalty of law" tag off your mattress? I was. ~

Here is why those tags are there. It is because of taxes. They show tax has been paid on the product from the manufacturer. Once an individual has purchased the product, you are free to remove the tag. You will not be penalized. I managed a furniture store, that's how I know.

well yeah, it says "under penalty of law"

Yes, I was too. I still don't know what to do with them.

That does not apply to the purchaser/owner.
The tags give information about the furniture (applies to chairs and couches as well).
If you pulled the tag off in the store, you'd have to buy it...but once you've already bought it you can do what you want with the tag.

I never thought of it

that was the first thing i ripped XD

Never had the inclination quite frankly, but if I had, I'd have claimed "illiteracy."