9 Things Still Legal in Some States That Experts Say Are Dangerously Outdated
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 But surprisingly, several outdated laws are still legal in some states, and experts are raising red flags.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.
1. Child Marriage Is Still Legal in Several States
Despite widespread criticism, some U.S. states still allow minors to marry under certain conditions. In places like California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, there is no age floor for marriage, meaning kids of any age can tie the knot. Child advocacy groups warn that this legal loophole is often used to cover up abuse or forced marriages. Most countries around the world have banned child marriage outright, but the U.S. still lags behind. Experts argue that this outdated law robs minors of their autonomy and puts them at significant risk.
2. Corporal Punishment in Schools Remains Legal
Yes, paddling is still legal in schools in 23 states, including Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi. While many schools have voluntarily banned the practice, some districts still allow physical punishment as a disciplinary tool. Pediatric and psychological experts overwhelmingly agree that corporal punishment causes more harm than good, leading to mental health issues and academic struggles. Critics say this approach is not only ineffective but borders on abuse. In today’s world, it’s shocking that hitting students is still considered lawful in any educational setting.
3. Conversion Therapy for Minors Isn’t Banned Nationwide
Conversion therapy—an attempt to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity—is widely discredited and harmful. Yet, it remains legal for licensed professionals to offer it to minors in nearly 20 states. Medical associations, including the American Psychological Association, have denounced the practice, citing long-term emotional trauma. While some cities have enacted their own bans, enforcement is inconsistent. Experts say these outdated laws allow harmful practices to continue under the radar.
4. No Minimum Age for Prosecuting Children as Adults
In many states, there’s no minimum age for charging children as adults in criminal court. That means kids as young as 8, 10, or 12 can face adult sentences depending on the crime and state. This practice is increasingly viewed as unjust and damaging to young lives. Experts argue that juvenile brains are still developing, and adult punishment is often more harmful than rehabilitative. Several states are rethinking their stance, but the fact that it’s still legal in others is deeply concerning.
5. Marital Rape Loopholes Still Exist
While most states have criminalized marital rape, a few still have exceptions or vague language that can make prosecution difficult. Some states require that a couple be living separately or that excessive force was used for a case to qualify as marital rape. Advocates argue these laws are rooted in outdated notions of marriage as ownership. Modern legal standards should protect all individuals, regardless of marital status. Experts call these loopholes a dangerous blind spot in the justice system.
6. Laws Banning Certain Hairstyles in Schools and Workplaces
It might sound absurd, but some states still allow dress code rules that discriminate against natural Black hairstyles like locs, braids, and afros. Only 24 states have passed versions of the CROWN Act, which prohibits this kind of hair-based discrimination. In the rest of the country, students and employees can legally face penalties just for wearing their natural hair. Experts say this reinforces systemic racism and harms self-esteem, particularly in young people. It’s a law long overdue for an overhaul.
7. Lead Pipes Are Still Legal in Residential Plumbing
Lead exposure is known to cause severe health issues, especially in children, but lead pipes are still legal in many U.S. homes. While federal agencies have pushed for updates, many states haven’t required property owners to replace old lead infrastructure. The result is uneven progress, leaving some communities—often low-income or minority neighborhoods—at higher risk. Health experts are clear: any level of lead in drinking water is dangerous. Yet the lack of legal enforcement keeps outdated plumbing in use.
8. Spousal Consent for Tubal Ligation
In some states, a woman must have her husband’s written permission to undergo tubal ligation—a form of permanent birth control. This law is not only outdated but blatantly sexist, reinforcing control over women’s reproductive rights. Experts in women’s health say medical decisions should be between a patient and their doctor, not their spouse. This legal requirement has roots in 20th-century patriarchal values. Even as reproductive rights gain attention, this rule remains largely untouched.
9. The Death Penalty for Mentally Ill Inmates
Several states still allow the execution of inmates with severe mental illnesses. While the Supreme Court has banned executing individuals who are intellectually disabled, mental illness is a gray area legally. Medical professionals argue this practice is unethical and fails to recognize the reduced capacity of those suffering from severe disorders. Advocates call it cruel and incompatible with modern justice. Yet as of today, some states refuse to draw a clear line.
Outdated Doesn’t Mean Harmless—It’s Time to Reexamine the Laws
These outdated laws may seem like quirks of local governance, but they carry very real and often dangerous consequences. Legal systems evolve slowly, but expert opinion is becoming louder: the time for reform is now. Whether it’s protecting children, upholding individual rights, or ensuring public safety, updating these laws could make a measurable difference in people’s lives. We’re long past the point where these rules made sense, and keeping them on the books only holds society back. Awareness is the first step toward real change.
Which of these outdated laws shocked you the most? Do you think there are others that need to be added to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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