Arkansas § 12-12-321 - Autopsies — Exhumed bodies.
Full text of Arkansas Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 12-12-321 — Autopsies — Exhumed bodies., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-12-321. Autopsies — Exhumed bodies.
Where death occurs under such circumstances as are set forth in § 12-12-315 and where a body has been buried without proper certification of death, it shall be the duty of the chief law enforcement official of the county or municipality in which death occurred or in which the body is buried or the State Medical Examiner, his or her associates, assistants, or deputies to notify the prosecuting attorney of the jurisdiction in which death occurred and the body is buried. The prosecuting attorney shall thereupon present the facts to the circuit court of the county, and the court may, by written order, require that the body be exhumed and an autopsy be performed by the State Crime Laboratory or its designee. A full and complete report of the facts developed by the autopsy shall be furnished to the court and the prosecuting attorney in timely fashion. The cost of the exhumation and for transportation to and from the place of autopsy shall be borne by the county in which the death occurred.
Source: official Arkansas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas § 12-12-321
What does Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 12-12-321 cover?
Section 12-12-321 ("Autopsies — Exhumed bodies.") is part of the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Arkansas. 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 Arkansas § 12-12-321?
A common citation format is "Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated § 12-12-321" (Arkansas). 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 Arkansas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arkansas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney.
How does Arkansas § 12-12-321 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arkansas 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 Arkansas.