The Law Commission of England and Wales has launched a project to review the ancient laws that govern the disposal of the dead, in order to bring them in line with modern needs.

The Law Comission said the existing legislation, which dates to the 19th century, is outdated and complex, and does not guarantee that a person's wishes for their body after death are respected. This can lead to disputes between family members over their loved one's remains.

Furthermore, the Commission said current law lac...