Alabama § 45-27-60.04 - Duty to Investigate Certain Deaths.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 45-27-60.04 — Duty to Investigate Certain Deaths., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-27-60.04. Duty to Investigate Certain Deaths.
It shall be the duty of the county medical examiner, or designated assistant county medical examiners, to investigate any death in Escambia County when the death falls within one or more of the following categories:
(1) Deaths that occur suddenly and unexpectedly, that is, when the individual has not been under medical care for significant disease of the heart or lung, or other disease.
(2) Deaths suspected to be due to violence, resulting from any one of the following: Suicide, accident, homicide, or undetermined injury, regardless of when or where the injury occurred.
(3) Deaths suspected to be due to alcohol or drugs, or exposure to toxic agents.
(4) Deaths due to poisoning.
(5) Deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement officers or in penal institutions.
(6) Deaths suspected to be involved with the occupation of the decedent.
(7) Deaths unattended by a physician.
(8) Deaths due to neglect.
(9) Any stillbirth of 20 or more weeks gestation unattended by a physician.
(10) Deaths due to criminal abortion.
(11) Any death of an infant or child under 19 years of age where the medical history has not established some preexisting medical condition to clearly explain the death and the preterminal circumstances.
(12) Deaths that are possibly directly or indirectly attributable to environmental exposure not otherwise specified.
(13) Deaths suspected to be caused by infectious or contagious disease wherein the diagnosis and extent of disease at the time are undetermined.
(14) Deaths occurring under suspicious or unusual circumstances.
(15) When a body is to be cremated, dissected, or buried at sea.
(16) When a body is brought into Escambia County without proper medical certification.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 45-27-60.04
What does Code of Alabama § 45-27-60.04 cover?
Section 45-27-60.04 ("Duty to Investigate Certain Deaths.") 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 § 45-27-60.04?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 45-27-60.04" (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 § 45-27-60.04 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.