§ 11-20-1.1. Mutilation of dead human bodies — Penalties — Exemptions.
(a) Except as provided in this section, a person who dissects or mutilates a dead human body is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
(b) This section does not apply to:
(1) A physician or surgeon acting on the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, a coroner or other qualified officer, a licensed funeral director or a licensed embalmer;
(2) Dissection to determine the cause of death when authorized by the nearest living kin of the deceased;
(3) Unclaimed dead human bodies delivered by state or county authorities to regularly chartered institutions for scientific research;
(4) The necessary mutilation incident to embalming a dead human body when authorized by nearest living kin, a court of competent jurisdiction or other qualified officer; or
(5) Conduct authorized by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, chapter 18.6 of title 23.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 433, § 1.