§ 11-20-1.1 - Mutilation of dead human bodies – Penalties – Exemptions. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 11-20-1.1

   § 11-20-1.1  Mutilation of dead humanbodies – Penalties – Exemptions. – (a) Except as provided in this section, a person who dissects or mutilates adead human body is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not morethan 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 ofcompetent jurisdiction, a coroner or other qualified officer, a licensedfuneral director or a licensed embalmer;

   (2) Dissection to determine the cause of death whenauthorized by the nearest living kin of the deceased;

   (3) Unclaimed dead human bodies delivered by state or countyauthorities to regularly chartered institutions for scientific research;

   (4) The necessary mutilation incident to embalming a deadhuman body when authorized by nearest living kin, a court of competentjurisdiction or other qualified officer; or

   (5) Conduct authorized by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act,chapter 18.6 of title 23.