7 verified laws filed under Legal Procedures & Evidence, each checked against the statute and sourced.
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Showing 1–7 of 7
Partially True
United States
Flag Burning IS Illegal in the U.S. — Except the Supreme Court Says It Isn't
A federal law (18 U.S.C. § 700) makes it illegal to burn, mutilate, or desecrate the American flag — but two landmark Supreme Court rulings have rendered it nearly unenforceable as political protest, finding that such acts are protected symbolic speech under the First Amendment.
Partially True
Estonia
Estonia Bans Names of Famous Historical Figures — But Not How You Think
Estonia's Names Act does prohibit using the name of a well-known historical figure — but this restriction applies only to adults changing their *surname*, not to parents choosing a given (first) name for a newborn child. The popular claim misidentifies both the type of name affected and the reason behind the rule.
Confirmed Myth
Taiwan
Taiwan Does NOT Fine Non-Voters — The Compulsory Voting Myth Debunked
Contrary to a widely circulated claim, Taiwan does not have compulsory voting and imposes no fine on citizens who choose not to vote in presidential or legislative elections. Voting in Taiwan is entirely voluntary.
Confirmed Myth
Uruguay
Uruguay Does NOT Force Prisoners to Vote — Most Can't Vote At All
The claim that Uruguay requires all incarcerated prisoners to vote and extends their sentences for non-compliance is entirely false. In reality, most convicted prisoners in Uruguay have their voting rights suspended by the Constitution, and a structural legal barrier prevents even eligible inmates from casting ballots.
Partially True
France
In France, You Can Legally Marry a Dead Person — With the President's Blessing
France legally permits 'posthumous marriage' (mariage posthume) under Article 171 of the French Civil Code. A surviving partner can marry their deceased fiancé(e), but only with presidential approval and under strict conditions proving the deceased had clearly consented to the union before death.
Confirmed True
Kenya
Kenya: No Photos of Cash or Government Buildings Without Written Permission
In Kenya, it is illegal to photograph currency without written approval from the Central Bank, and photographing government buildings and other 'prohibited places' requires permission from authorities under the Official Secrets Act and Protected Areas Act.
Confirmed True
Ontario, CA
Saying "sorry" cannot be used against you in court in Ontario
The Apology Act, 2009 provides that an apology made by or on behalf of a person does not constitute an admission of fault or liability and is not admissible in any civil proceeding as evidence of fault or liability. This law allows Canadians to apologize without legal consequences.
