Some laws around the world still allow things that feel like they shouldn’t exist anymore—but remain legal due to historical legal systems, regulatory gaps, or cultural frameworks that evolved differently across countries.
1. Marrying a Deceased Fiancé in France
In France, under Article 171 of the Civil Code, it is possible in rare cases for the President to authorize a posthumous marriage.
This requires proof that the deceased had clearly intended to marry before their death, and the marriage is treated as legally valid despite one partner being deceased.
2. Selling Human Skeletons for Educational Use in the United Kingdom
In the UK, it is legal to trade human remains—including full skeletons—if they were sourced through legitimate historical, medical, or anatomical channels.
Universities, museums, and private collectors can legally acquire them under strict regulation, making it a legal but tightly controlled market.
3. Mandatory Building Development Rules in Switzerland (Canton-Level Zoning Law Example: Appenzell Innerrhoden)
In certain Swiss cantons, local zoning and land-use laws can legally require landowners to develop purchased plots within defined timeframes or risk financial penalties or reduced land-use rights.
In Appenzell Innerrhoden and similar municipalities, these rules were historically designed to prevent land hoarding and ensure usable development, and while modern enforcement varies, the legal framework still exists in modified form.
4. Possession of Certain Psychoactive Plants in Brazil
Brazilian law does not classify all naturally occurring psychoactive plants as illegal substances.
For example, plants like certain cacti and vine-based species containing psychoactive compounds are legal to grow and possess, while their processed use is regulated separately.
5. Cashless-Only Businesses in Sweden
In Sweden, it is legally permissible for private businesses to refuse cash payments entirely.
Many retailers and service providers operate fully cashless, relying on digital payment infrastructure, although debate continues around accessibility and financial inclusion.
6. Public Property and Tax Record Transparency in Finland
Finland maintains one of the world’s most open public information systems, where tax records and property ownership details can be legally accessed by citizens.
This is governed by public transparency laws designed to promote accountability.
7. Firearm Licensing Systems Being Less Restrictive Than Some Knife Laws in the United Kingdom (Legal Classification Gap)
In the UK, firearm ownership is heavily regulated through licensing under the Firearms Act 1968, requiring background checks, storage rules, and police approval.
However, certain knives—such as specific locking or fixed-blade types—can fall under stricter public carry restrictions under knife legislation, creating a legal situation where ownership of some firearms at home is tightly controlled but carrying certain knives in public can be more heavily restricted depending on classification.
8. Government-Controlled Personal Data Visibility in Estonia
Estonia’s digital governance system allows citizens to see who has accessed their personal data through state systems, under its digital identity framework.
While highly secure, it legally prioritizes transparency of access logs in ways many countries do not.