Arizona § 11-596 - Removal or disturbance of body or effects or weapons without consent prohibited
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-596 — Removal or disturbance of body or effects or weapons without consent prohibited, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-596. Removal or disturbance of body or effects or weapons without consent prohibited
A. A human body or body suspected of being human shall not be removed from the place where the death occurred, if the death is of a nature requiring investigation, without first obtaining permission of the county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner.
B. Embalming, cleansing of the surfaces of the body or other alteration of the appearance or state of the body, clothing or personal effects shall not be performed until the permission of the county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner has been obtained. A funeral director or embalmer who receives custody of a human body from a county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner is deemed to have the permission required by this subsection, unless permission is expressly withheld by the county medical examiner or alternate medical examiner.
C. A person, except a law enforcement agent in the performance of the agent's duties, shall not remove from the place of death or from the body of the deceased any of the effects of the deceased, or instruments or weapons that may have been used in the death requiring investigation, without prior permission of the county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner or the investigating law enforcement agent.
Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 11-596
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-596 cover?
Section 11-596 ("Removal or disturbance of body or effects or weapons without consent prohibited") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. 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 Arizona § 11-596?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-596" (Arizona). 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 Arizona law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.
How does Arizona § 11-596 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona 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 Arizona.