Alabama § 26-16-99 - Duties of Coroner/Medical Examiner.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 26-16-99 — Duties of Coroner/Medical Examiner., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-16-99. Duties of Coroner/Medical Examiner.
The duties of the coroner/medical examiner shall include the following:
(1) Except in locations where a county medical examiner has jurisdiction, the coroner or a person acting in a professional capacity shall report the death of a child by telecommunications to the medical examiner or his or her representative as soon as possible upon discovery.
(2) Upon receipt of a report of a child death, the county medical examiner or state medical examiner shall determine whether the death appears to be unexpected/unexplained. If the death appears to be unexpected/unexplained, the county medical examiner or state medical examiner shall commence an investigation of the death consisting of a postmortem examination conducted by a state or county medical examiner. Upon the recommendation of the state medical examiner, with authorization from a district attorney, an autopsy may be conducted. A county medical examiner may conduct an autopsy at his or her discretion as authorized by existing statutes. This section should not be interpreted as mandating an autopsy. In a case where an autopsy is not performed, the postmortem examination shall consist of an external examination.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 26-16-99
What does Code of Alabama § 26-16-99 cover?
Section 26-16-99 ("Duties of Coroner/Medical Examiner.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 26-16-99?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 26-16-99" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 26-16-99 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.