2013 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 11 - Criminal Offenses
Chapter 11-20 - Graves and Corpses
Section 11-20-1.1 - Mutilation of dead human bodies – Penalties – Exemptions.

§ 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.)