
You’d think that in 2025, most U.S. laws would reflect modern values and updated science. But surprisingly, several outdated laws are still legal in some states, and experts are raising red flags. These legal remnants from decades ago don’t just sound odd—they can actively harm public safety, equality, and basic human rights. In many cases, what’s legal on paper would shock most people today. Here are nine examples of laws that are still in effect and why experts say they urgently need to go.