§ 12-12-319 — Embalming corpse subject to examination, investigation, or autopsy - Penalty

(a) It shall be unlawful to embalm a dead body when the body is subject to examination by the State Medical Examiner or his or her associates, assistants, or deputies as provided for in this subchapter, unless authorized by the examiner or his or her associates, assistants, or deputies or unless authorized by the prosecuting attorney of the jurisdiction in which the death occurs to so embalm. (b) When a body subject to examination by the examiner or his or her associates has been embalmed without authorization by or prior notice to the examiner or his or her associates, assistants, or deputies as provided for in this subchapter, the Director of the State Crime Laboratory may, at his or her discretion, require an order from the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which death occurred before proceeding with his or her duties and responsibilities under this subchapter. (c) Persons violating the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5853, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1979, No. 864, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 42-1216.